The Challenges of Climate Change and Natural Disasters in Central America
In recent years, Central America has suffered several large-scale natural disasters that have left behind a legacy of death and destruction. The disruption of economic activity and costly reconstruction efforts create a heavy burden of social exclusion and debt. Given the region’s propensity for natural disasters—which are likely to increase due to changing climate patterns— there is a need for better regional cooperation in risk management.
On March 29, the Latin America Initiative at Brookings and the Central American Bank for Economic Integration hosted a discussion on the challenges and implications of climate change for the Central American isthmus and the role that the public and private sectors can play in mitigating and adapting to risks. A panel of experts examined these issues, followed by a keynote address by José María Figueres, former president of Costa Rica. Brookings Senior Fellow Katherine Sierra moderated the discussion.
After the program, panelists took audience questions.
Agenda
Introduction
Kevin Casas-Zamora
Former Brookings Expert
Director, Programa Estado de Derecho, Diálogo Interamericano
José E. Deras
Interim Chief Economist
Moderator
Katherine Sierra
Former Brookings Expert
Keynote Address
The Honorable José María Figueres
Chief Executive Officer, Concordia21
Panelists
Juan José Daboub
Founding Chief Executive Officer
Luis Alberto Ferraté
Senior Advisor
Pascal Girot
Senior Climate Change Advisor, Latin America and the Caribbean
Walter Wintzer
Coordinator, Preparedness and Response Program
More Information
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