Climate Change Report Predicts Extreme Weather in CR

This technical report, provided by the National Meteorological Institute (IMN) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) assessed Costa Rica’s vulnerability and adaptation to climate change. The representatives predicted that the Caribbean coast will receive for 35% to 75% more precipitation for several months, while the North Pacific and Central Regions will receive 15% less. They also issued a warning for the country to prepare for the risks of property damage and to safeguard the health of the citizens. Furthermore, they stated that Costa Rica will need to invest heavily in adapting its agricultural system to the extreme climate changes and to relocate the citizens living in the high risk areas to protect them from the extreme climate events that are predicted.

Luiza Carvalho, UNDP resident representative, explained that the effects of climate change will impact much of the country with the areas of higher population being the most affected. “The country is being affected by increased climate variability that may become intense in the near future, according to climate projections. Different regions will experience different effects, including increased rainfall, floods and drought. We hope that the report of the investigations we have provided encourages the countries emergency authorities to plan for measures to adapt to this adverse climate prediction,” said Carvalho.

This data also suggests that the strong dry season of the Pacific, will seriously threaten the supply of water from an increase in demand due to population growth. This condition will be a more serious in the North Pacific and Central Regions. Additionally, the health sector needs to meet the new challenges of this climate change and fortify its resources to manage and protect water resources.

Roberto Villalobos, IMN expert and project coordinator, explained that the increasing climate variability is evidence that climate change is a reality and it will gradually increase every year if the trends of global warming continue. The country needs urgent adaptation measures to reduce the adverse effects of climate change in the water sector and the impact thereof on the social, economic and environmental conditions. Villalobos encourages the country to plan ahead to avoid problems in the event of a lack of potable water as well as to improve the management of ASADAS, which is the organization of more than 2000 community water associations, operating as nonprofit entities under the legal framework of the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers, AYA. Additionally, ASADA educates the citizens to conserve water and develop other sources for potable water “said Villalobos.
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