Chapter 8 - Study of spatio-temporal climate variability and changes in South America using climate data tools

Abstract

The goal of this chapter is to look at the effects of climate change on the South American continent. South America has experienced climate variability. The study found that under three RCPs, both temperature and precipitation will rise in the future. The annual average minimum temperature is expected to rise by 1.25°C and 1.6°C for the periods 2031–50, respectively, compared to the baseline period, while the annual average maximum temperature is expected to rise by 1.25°C and 1.85°C for the periods 2031–50 under RCP4.5 and RCP 8.5. Similarly, projected annual average precipitation has been expected to increase. Changes in an increased temperature and geographical and temporal rainfall variability have been evident. Droughts and famines have become more frequent as a result of climate change. Further, flooding, desertification, the loss of wetlands, biodiversity loss, and a drop in agricultural production and productivity have also been observed in the recent past. South America had made numerous measures in various sections of the country to mitigate climate change. Conservation, agriculture, home gardens, traditional agroforestry systems, harvesting non-timber forest products, protected area systems, reforestation and afforestation programs, renewable energy sources, and livestock sales and production are some of the mechanisms in practice for mitigating and adapting to climate change in South America.