Climate change could cost Latin America between 1.5% and 5% of GDP per year. Agriculture is predicted to be the most affected economic sector, with a range of impacts including heightened erosion, moving growing zones and a proliferation of pests. A further threat is the retreat of Andean glaciers, on which much of the region relies for its water supply, and continued deforestation of tropical forests.

This briefing examines what climate finance has been made available to Latin American countries, and to what extent this meets countries' needs. In particular, it argues that adaptation needs in the region will have to be made more central within national sustainable development strategies, given the region's persistent income inequality and poverty in even its most developed economies.