Incidence and management of climate change in Argentina – Agustina Eugenia Castro

On the basis of what has been analyzed in previous work on this first point theme, it could be concluded that:

Given that the next few years will be crucial determinants in the way to prevent the disproportionate increase of the temperature at the end of the century (i.e., above 2 degrees celsius, or, more ambitiously, above 1.5 degree celsius on the basis of the above pre-industrial levels, in line with the Paris Agreement of 2015, of which Argentina is a part), the challenge for our country is to meet and strengthen their commitments presented in the NDC before the COP, the IPCC and the UNFCCC, in such a way as to increase progressively the ambition climate in the proposals and actions argentine and strengthening the international collaboration. On the basis of all this, the management of the climate crisis – which has a high incidence in our country, in various sectors and levels – might be better and more realistic.

Taking into account such reflection, the following is a proposed lines of action for the subsequent formulation of public policies around the incidence and management of climate change in Argentina.

Title of the proposal: Management ambitious, comprehensive and realistic view of climate change in Argentina

Taking as a reference the points of impact related specifically to climate change (5), to the centralization of information (3) and the acceleration of technology and exploitation of resources (4), the objective of this first proposal is to develop the ability to devise and carry through a model of management of climate change in our country that has as a priority to both mitigation and adaptation to such a phenomenon, and that it reflects the urgent need to address structural changes that make Argentina a pioneer in sustainability and climate resiliency.

In that sense, pursue and/or deepen in the following lines of action can contribute to achieve the objective:

• In the first place, understanding that the climate crisis affects all countries of the world at a general level, although those most vulnerable disproportionately, the international collaboration sincere and committed in regard to the climate should remain a priority for the Argentine to jointly combat this crisis. Therefore, while respecting the commitments made by our country in various multilateral fora, in order to decrease the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) should be continued and deepened the Contributions Determined at the National Level (NDC, for its acronym in English) to be filed with the relevant agencies within the set deadlines, so that our country is faithful to his word and encourage other States to pursue their own efforts to the extent of their possibilities.

• In the second place, in relation to what has been said above, to submit new commitments should continue taking out the necessary assessments and internal reviews of previous commitments and progress. That is to say, should be pursued monitoring comprehensive and consistent to assess the compliance of policies of adaptation and mitigation implemented on the basis of the commitments made by Argentina, and so being able to highlight successes and mistakes before defining the next steps to follow.

• In the third place, it seems essential to the establishment compulsory from an environmental perspective integral to the development and execution of all public policies are developed in the country in its different levels: national, provincial and municipal levels. This goes hand in hand with the installation of the climate agenda as an axis transversal to the whole policy of the government and policy of the State, were thus in the future, and above all political color supporter of the governments of turn. In that sense, and the more challenging it is, to establish such a line of action is also imperative to a “national agreement” in this topic, beyond the political differences that may arise.

• Fourth, it should be ensured to the citizens the access to all relevant information related to the climate crisis and ecological and management on the part of the competent authorities, in compliance with a number of legal provisions that establish this obligation. Also, making very public and extended this type of information and which is requested, it encourages the awareness of the situation and citizen participation – in any way – in the making respective decisions. In particular, the emphasis should be on the environmental education, deepening their content and tools to those people in school age, in accordance with the laws 24295 and 27621, among other legal instruments are important.

• In fifth place, must be achieved by the positioning of Argentina as a country leader in renewable energy, which of course are also the source and engine of growth. Given the great potential of our country in this sense, we must take advantage of the natural resources and climatic conditions beneficial for a sustainable development and energy transition increasing, for example, with a special focus on solar and wind energy, among others. To do this, it is necessary to create a favorable environment to attract investments that strengthen our country in such way, as happened recently with the issue of hydrogen in green to occur in the Rio Negro.