The IPCC’s Special Report on Climate Change and Land: What’s in it for Latin America?

This document summarises the important messages from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC's) 2019 report on 'Climate Change and Land' for Latin American decision-makers. It distils material available on Latin America from the Special Report, and compiles them in a thorough and informative brief that covers key messages for ensuring Latin American productivity and development. 

Some of the key messages include:

• The climate and land interact with and influence each other.
• Dryland areas are expected to become more vulnerable to desertification in Latin America.
• Desertification has implications for food security and poverty in Latin America.
• Community and policy responses can combat desertification.
• Managing land, value chains, and climate risks can deliver climate adaptation, mitigation, and development benefits.
• Insecure property rights and lack of access to credit and agricultural advisory services hamper progress – especially by women.
• The skills and knowledge of women and marginalised groups are not yet sufficiently recognised.
• Integrated governance is needed to maximise the benefits of land and water.
• Emissions reductions in other sectors are vital to relieve pressure on land.