Beyond reaction: drought and climate change in Central America

This document is a joint research report that was presented on the 5th of December during COP20 and on the 9th of December at the People's Summit in Lima, Peru. It argues that, for the construction of new governance under difficult conditions due to the drought and the impacts of climate change in Central America, it is urgent not only to allocate financial resources for adaptation, but also to take synergic actions that will implicate the civil society and the governments.

Based on the expected impacts of climate change for Central America, presented through various forecast scenarios, it highlights the need for institutions to improve response. It then defines climate change and risk in relation to extreme climate events and droughts, climate change adaptation and integrated risk management; and presents the consequences of climate change, policies and responses for El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Guatemala. It finally summarizes the status of climate change policies and concludes with recommendations.