International workshop on ENSO, decadal variability and climate change in South America

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has a profound influence on South American climate. For example, during an El Niño rainfall tends to increase over Ecuador and decrease over Colombia. However, the El Niño events that occurred during 2002-2003 and 2006-2007 were different. They did not result in impacts that might have been expected based on our past experiences. The reasons for the differences seen in South America and in other parts of the world are not fully understood, but are the subject of intense research in many countries. This research includes studies examining naturally occurring decadal variability in ENSO and ENSO impacts, differences in the details of sea-surface temperature patterns between El Niño events, and the influence of global warming on ENSO and on the way ENSO affects global weather patterns. It is hoped that this research will lead to more useful information for decision-making in the wider community. This workshop will bring climate experts from around the world to discuss this research and its relevance to South American climate.

Objectives:
- To review the latest scientific advances on ENSO, decadal variability and Climate Change in South America (SA).
- To review the estimated trends and changes in ENSO teleconnections in SA.
- To discuss on the potential climate impacts for the next 10-15 years and their social and economical implications in SA.