Colombia's official Institute for Hydrology, Meteorology & Environmental Studies (IDEAM [6]) on June 20 released an "Analysis of Vulnerability and Risk" to the country from climate change. The study predicts a 2.4 C increase in average temperatures over the coming century, from the current 22.2 C to 24.6 C, resulting in more "extreme weather events," especially in the Amazon region, where the disappearing Andean glaciers could mean devastating flooding followed by extended drought. Additionally, the country could lose 50,000 hectares to sea level rise. The island department of San Andres [7] off the Caribbean coast was named as at greatest risk. IDEAM director Omar Franco said climate change "would ravage" (desabastecería) the country. (El Tiempo [8], June 20)
Earlier this year, IDEAM reported that 92% of the glacier area on Colombia's northern Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta has already disappeared, and could be lost entirely over the next 40 years. Over the past 50 years, Colombia's glacier cover has diminished by over 60%. (Contagio Radio [9], March 28)
