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Global Action

Americas

The diversity of geography, economies and political systems across the Americas means that the issue of climate change is perceived and addressed in many different ways.

Blue colored world map: Americas. Credit: John Lamb (Getty)In the far north, Arctic tundra is vulnerable changing. In Canada the economy is heavily dependent on fossil fuels and natural resource extraction. Further south, the USA is also the second largest CO2 emitter in the world – and a political heavy-weight with their willingness to engage in Copenhagen holding influence over much of the world.

In Latin America, deforestation is a significant contributor to climate change and Brazil has interests in forest conservation while also creating a prosperous economy. Costa Rica is committed to achieving a carbon neutral economy by 2020, Mexico has recently launched a national climate change plan, and Peru has committed to achieve zero deforestation within the next ten years.


Brazil

Xingu Indigenous Park, Brazil. Crown Copyright.

With an estimated GDP of almost US$2 trillion, and the world's largest reserves of tropical forests, freshwater and biodiversity, Brazil will play a decisive role in helping the world reach a post-2012 climate agreement.

Canada

Rural field with power station cooling towers smoking on the horizon. © Getty Images

Canada has expertise in carbon capture and storage and the federal and Alberta governments are investing large sums of money to develop this technology

Mexico

Drought-stricken dry, cracked ground.

From desert areas in the North, to rain forests in the South, Mexico reflects many of the problems the Earth will face in terms of climate change

USA

Volunteers take down windmill props after a rally to urge the US House of Representatives to pass the 'American Clean Energy and Security Act' June 26, 2009. Copyright Getty.

A recent poll has found that six in 10 Americans are highly worried about global warming - and with good reason. Heat waves will become more frequent; coastal flooding will threaten homes; and wildfires will threaten human life.

4 degree map in Costa Rica

Early morning view of Playa Tamarindo, Guanacaste province, Costa Rica (iStockphotos)

Ambassador to Costa Rica Tom Kennedy hands a copy of the 4 degree map to Costa Rica Deputy Foreign Minister Edgardo Ugalde.

Odyssey 2050: the Motion Picture

The British Embassy in Costa Rica has produced a 3D animated feature film on the topic of climate change called Odyssey 2050.

Governors' Global Climate Summit

Arnold Schwarzenegger brings together 30 world leaders on national climate change legislation and its role ahead of Copenhagen.

NGOs call for extra climate change funding

Non-governmental organisations working in Latin America with DFID last week called for a fair deal for southern countries at Copenhagen in December.



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