The impacts of climate change in the coastal area of Uruguay An educational proposal

The impacts of climate change in the coastal area of Uruguay

An educational proposal

Geography

Uruguay is located in the east side of South America. It is bordered by Brazil, Argentina, the broad estuary of the River Plate and the Atlantic Ocean. It has a land area of 178,000 km2 and other 138,000 km2 of territorial waters. Uruguay's coastal area is about 680 km long.

Map of Uruguay

PopulationUruguay has a population of 3,241,003 inhabitants, more than 90% of which are concentrated in the capital Montevideo and about 20 cities with over 5,000 inhabitants, resulting in vast rural areas with very low population density, particularly in the north of the territory. Almost 70% of the population is concentrated in the coastal departments (from West to East: Colonia, San Jos, Montevideo, Canelones, Maldonado and Rocha). Internal migration from the capital to the coastal areas of San Jos, Canelones and Maldonado is steadily growing.

EconomyFrom an economic point of view, coastal ecosystems play an essential role in the national economy. More than 70% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country is generated and depends on the activities carried out in the coastal departments: national and international tourism, real estate development, small-scale industrial fishing, navigation and port services.

Map of the coastal area

Uruguay and Climate Change today

Although a minor contributor to global warming due to its size, relatively low population density and low level of industrialization, Uruguay is likely to be significantly affected by global climate change. Long-term changes in climate and coastal environment trends have already been verified: an increase of 200 mm of rain falling in Montevideo since 1883, particularly in the period 1961-1990; an increase of 0.5C in air temperature and a decrease of 0.5 mm Hg in atmospheric pressure; a growing trend in average summer temperatures in the period 1961-1990; an increase of 30% in the flow of the River Plate in recent decades; a reduction of the annual salinity of the Uruguayan coast; a sea level rise of 11 cm between 1902 and 2003; an increase of the frequency and intensity of extreme events.

Uruguay and Climate Change tomorrow

As for the temperature, Uruguay is likely to experience growth rates with variations from 0.3 to 0.5 C by 2020 and 1.0 to 2.5 C by 2050. Rain will continue its upward trend, although at a lower growth rate than observed. Sea level would rise between 5 and 10 cm to the 2020s and between 12 and 20 cm for the decade of 2050. Extreme events (rainfall and strong winds) will continue to increase.

The tourism sectorTourism is the prime economic activity in the coastal area of the country.The World Tourism Organization (WTO) has determined that tourism is the primary source of foreign exchange earnings in 46 of the 50 Least Developed Countries of the World.Tourism plays an important role in reducing poverty through the generation of employment and business opportunities; in turn, it is called to contribute to the sustainable development and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Nevertheless, this requires the sector to adapt to changing climate and, equally important, reduce the contribution made to climate change through emissions of greenhouse gases.Both aspects require changes in the tourism production system.

Climate Change and TourismAccording to ECLAC, at first it is estimated a greater flow of tourists in search of sun and beaches as a result of rising temperatures, but a decline in tourism due to erosion and flooding since 2050.There will be increasing flooding and beach erosion, which will bring destruction of homes and infrastructure and flooding of land.

Punta del Este, Uruguay

AdaptationIt is estimated that the capacity to adapt to climate change varies according different factors. Information requirements, policy changes and investments needed for effective adaptation by tourist destinations, in some cases, require decades and, therefore, there is need for rapid action to those destinations where it is expected that an impact occurs by mid-century.

Education, Communication, Awareness

The generation and dissemination of new information for the management of climate risks is a high priority. Climate change is not just a challenge for governments and the tourism sector; the participation of the tourism industry as well as the civil society and the academic sector is also crucial. A training, communication and awareness plan addressed to each of these groups should be created, containing information about the risks of climate change, the adaptation measures needed and suggested mitigation actions. Effective communication of scientifically proven information is essential to strengthen capabilities to develop plans for adaptation and mitigation.Information kits, targeted public meetings, focus groups, incorporating the theme to the curricula of primary and secondary education.

ReferencesTurn Down the Heat: Why a 4C World Must Be Avoided |World Bank, 2012 Project document: PIMS 3690 URU/07/G32 Implementacin de medidas piloto de adaptacin al cambio climtico en reas costeras del UruguayMVOTMA (2011): Cambio Climtico y Turismo: Medidas de Adaptacin y Mitigacinhttp://www.cepal.org/es/comunicados/cepal-aborda-paradojas-y-desafios-del-impacto-economico-y-social-del-cambio-climatico-en