In an effort to address the challenges and opportunities that climate change presents for the department of Magdalena, the Magdalena Regional Autonomous Corporation (Corpamag) held a discussion titled “Reflections on Climate Change, challenges and opportunities for the department of Magdalena “. This event brought together environmental experts, community leaders and academics to discuss the phenomena that alter our planet and how they affect our region.
Ricardo Lozano, former Minister of the Environment, was one of the main speakers at the event. During his speech, Lozano highlighted the general lack of understanding about climate change and phenomena such as desertification. “After holding these types of events, we realize that people do not understand what climate change is, what desertification is, how the earth moves, etc. Sometimes we take it for granted that people understand it, but It’s not like that. We still don’t know how the earth behaves, we have lost the battle because the earth lost its balance,” said Lozano.
Lozano also stressed that global inaction and failure to meet commitments by countries aggravate the situation.
“Sea level rise and global warming continue. The pandemic increased demand for fossil resources. In Europe, demand for coal has increased when we are supposed to reduce it. Young people do not know how to take care of the planet; in “In the United States, at concerts, young people continue to leave everything on the floor. There is no culture,” he said.
However, issues such as the impact on quality of life were addressed. Engineer Carlos Barraza addressed how climate change directly affects the quality of life in the region. “It is crucial to instill care of the environment from childhood. At Corpamag, we have supported several projects so that this is taught and practiced in universities and communities. If we do nothing, as has happened in the last 50 years, the future “It will be much worse. The rains will flood many coastal cities, and climate variability will affect all aspects of our lives,” Barraza said.
The topics expressed also touched on the impact of climate change on the Arhuaca community. Camilo González, community representative in the Sierra Nevada, explained “We have been affected mainly in agricultural production, especially in coffee and forestry work. Over time, these environmental changes are felt more intensely. We have worked hard and seek alliances urgent, as with Corpamag, to mitigate the effects of climate change in our territory,” González declared.
The Corpamag discussion made it clear that, although the challenges are great, there are also opportunities to act and educate future generations about the importance of caring for the environment.
Likewise, experts agreed that immediate action and education are key to facing the challenges of climate change and protecting our planet for future generations.
