ABSTRACT

Development in Latin America and the Caribbean since Independence has been determined by its role as a source of raw materials within an emerging global economy. This chapter looks at the pressing environmental challenges confronting Latin America and the Caribbean and how there are often economic causes – and, potentially, economic solutions – to these. The phenomenon of climate change caused by global warming will exacerbate many of these problems, and has risen rapidly up the agenda of Latin American politicians as they search for more sustainable forms of economic growth. The model of economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean has long been based on the exploitation of natural resources to sell on global markets and in response to a culture that is increasingly consumerist. Sustainable development has been identified with the economic implications of adapting to or mitigating the impact of climate change.