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The main expected impacts include the increase in extreme weather events such as droughts and floods, the loss of natural habitats in regions such as the Amazon and the Andes, and the impact on the country's water and food security.[2] These alterations also increase the vulnerability of rural and urban communities, with significant socioeconomic repercussions.
In response, Colombia has adopted various policies and strategies to address climate change, including the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (PNACC) and its commitment to the Paris Agreement, by reducing emissions and promoting environmental conservation. However, the country faces significant challenges in implementing and monitoring these initiatives.[3]
According to the most recent reports from the Ministry of Environment and IDEAM,[4] glaciers in Colombia continue to show a significant loss of mass over the last few decades. Therefore, through studies, it has been determined that mass loss has been reduced, but it is a reality that we must accept; it is an inexorable fact, but at the same time, it can be treated to minimize its magnitude. The glacial surface area in the country has decreased drastically; according to the Ministry of Environment report "Colombia is losing its glaciers"[4], by 2025 only approximately 33 km² of glaciers will remain. The most affected glaciers include those in the Andes, especially Nevado del Ruiz, Nevado del Huila, and Los Nevados National Natural Park, which are key sources of water for many communities.
Glacier retreat refers to the reduction in the extent or volume of a glacier over time, primarily as a result of ice melting that is not compensated by new snow accumulation. It is a direct indicator of climate change, as it occurs when temperatures rise and precipitation in the form of snow decreases, affecting the balance between glacier accumulation and loss.
In more technical terms, glacial retreat means that the glacial equilibrium line moves to higher levels and the glacier front (its lowest part) retreats up the mountain.[5]
Although Colombia's tropical glaciers represent a minimal fraction of the national water volume, they play a key role in regulating water during the dry season in mountain basins.[6]
Since the mid-19th century, Colombia has lost approximately 90% of its glacier cover, dropping from 349km² to nearly 33km² in 2022. This retreat has been accelerated by climate change and extreme weather events such as El Niño.[7] Between 2021 and 2022, Colombian glaciers lost 1.11 km² of surface area, equivalent to a 3.2% annual reduction, according to data from IDEAM. This loss is equivalent to about 156 soccer fields. Nevado Santa Isabel is one of the most affected and, with less than 0.3km² of ice remaining, it could disappear completely before 2030.[8]
In 2024, the disappearance of the Conejeras Glacier, part of the Nevado Santa Isabel, was confirmed after years of accelerated reduction. Between 2016 and 2022, this glacier lost more than 50% of its area.[9]
According to IDEAM, the total volume of glacial ice in Colombia is approximately 1.68±0.24 km³. Nevado del Cocuy accounts for the largest volume, while Santa Isabel retains less than 2%.[7]
In response to this situation, in recent years IDEAM has implemented participatory environmental monitoring strategies in several Colombian snow-capped mountains as part of its Participatory Glaciology program. This approach has involved local communities in glacier monitoring activities, especially in Nevado del Tolima (Shimmer sector), in the Sierra Nevada de El Cocuy or Güicán, and in remnants of Nevado Santa Isabel. In the latter, local mountain guides periodically measure the retreat of the lower edge of glaciers, contributing to the generation of useful data for assessing glacier mass balance.[10]
At the regional level, glaciers in the tropical Andes have been reported to have lost around 30% of their surface area since the 1980s. The report also highlighted that 2023 was classified as the warmest year on record in Latin America, intensifying the effects of climate change on high mountain ecosystems.[10]
It is estimated that all of Colombia's current glaciers could disappear between 2040 and 2050 if current climate conditions persist.[11]
According to UNESCO, "the impact of glacier retreat not only affects water availability in the dry season, but also puts biodiversty and high mountain ecosystems at risk, in addition to altering the water balance of Andean basins".[12]
The National Government has developed a detailed roadmap within the framework of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which establishes concrete actions to reduce emissions in key sectors. These include strengthening climate information systems, promoting renewable energy, and fostering sustainable practices in agriculture and silviculture. Furthermore, Colombia will present progress on these commitments in its next Biennial Transparency Report under the Paris Agreement.[14][15]
Agriculture, particularly in its traditional and extensive forms, is a major source of methane (CH₄) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) emissions. Fertilizer use, agricultural waste management, and livestock farming generate large amounts of these gases. Despite efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices, the expansion of the agricultural frontier and unsustainable land use remain significant challenges in reducing emissions in this sector.[14] The Colombian government, aware of the challenges it faces in terms of emissions, has adopted international commitments, particularly through the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. Its objectives include reducing GHG emissions by 51% by 2030 compared to 2010 levels, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.[15]
This includes not only the promotion of renewable energy, but also structural reform in land use management and strengthening policies against deforestation. These policies reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing GHG emissions in Colombia, combining efforts in the energy transition, ecosystem restoration, and improved agricultural practices. Implementing these actions is key to reducing the impact of emissions and meeting the country's international climate commitments.[15]
Rising temperatures are one of the main consequences of climate change in Colombia. It has been projected that by 2040 the average temperature in the country could increase by 0.9°C, and up to 2.4°C by the end of the century. This increase in temperature affects both rural and urban areas, altering temperature patterns and exacerbating heat waves in several regions, especially in areas of the Amazon and the Orinoquía, where the temperature increase is most evident.[19][20]
Climate change has caused an accelerated retreat of tropical glaciers in Colombia, considered one of the most sensitive physical indicators of temperature variations. According to the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM), the country has lost nearly 90% of its glacial surface since the mid-19th century, dropping from 349 km² to just 33 km² in 2022. This process has been intensified by rising temperatures in the high mountains and extreme events such as El Niño.[21]
Colombian glaciers play a fundamental role in regulating water supply during the dry season, especially in the Andean basins. Their disappearance directly affects the water security of rural communities and páramo ecosystems. In 2024, the extinction of the Conejeras Glacier, part of the Nevado Santa Isabel, was confirmed, making it the first Colombian glacier to disappear completely in the 21st century.[22]
Climate change in Colombia not only affects the environment but also impacts the population. These impacts are felt in various areas, including public health, the economy, and society in general, exacerbating existing inequalities and affecting the most vulnerable communities.[20]
On the other hand, air pollution in urban areas, intensified by forest fires, vehicle emissions, and industrial sources, aggravates chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), poor air quality contributes to approximately 7 million premature deaths annually worldwide, with Latin America being one of the regions most affected by this problem due to uncontrolled urban growth.[25][26]
Agriculture:Agriculture, which accounts for over 6.2% of Colombia's GDP and employs 16% of the workforce, is affected by rainfall disturbances and prolonged droughts. According to a report by IDEAM, the productivity of crops such as coffee, rice, and corn has declined by 10% over the past 15 years due to climate change.[27] In the case of coffee, a flagship product of the country, higher temperatures and the emergence of pests such as the coffee berry borer have resulted in annual losses exceeding US$100 million.[28]
Fishing: In the fishing sector, changes in water temperature and salinity patterns are affecting key species such as tilapia and catfish. According to the FAO, fish catches have decreased by 25% in the Caribbean region, directly affecting the income of more than 80,000 artisanal fishers.[29]
Colombian floods 2010-2011. Flooded areas in red according to IDEAM data. The main rivers in blue according to IGAC data.
Infrastructure:Natural disasters such as floods and landslides cause damage to road infrastructure, homes, and electrical systems. According to a World Bank report, costs associated with extreme weather events in the country were estimated at approximately 7.1 trillion Colombian pesos (equivalent to $3.674 billion) during the period 2010-2011.[26] This report details that floods and landslides were responsible for significant losses in various sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, and housing. For example, the 2010-2011 floods severely affected road infrastructure, disrupting transportation and communications in several regions of the country, in addition to causing considerable damage to electrical systems and homes.[29] Additionally, studies by the National Planning Department (DNP) and the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) have documented cumulative economic costs from extreme weather disasters in recent decades, confirming the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in Colombia. The implementation of adaptation and mitigation strategies, as well as greater investment in resilient infrastructure, is considered a priority to reduce economic losses and ensure the safety of affected communities.[29]
Forced displacement: According to a report by the National Center for Historical Memory (CNMH), more than 350,000 people have been internally displaced in the last 20 years due to climate-related events such as floods and droughts. Regions such as the Colombian Pacific and the Amazon are the most affected, where communities are losing their homes and livelihoods.[30]
Food security:Food insecurity is a growing problem due to droughts and loss of agricultural productivity. According to the FAO's Panorama of Food and Nutrition Security in Latin America and the Caribbean report, 27% of the Colombian population faces some level of food insecurity, especially in departments such as La Guajira, Chocó, and Córdoba.[32]
The loss of natural ecosystems not only reduces biodiversity but also limits the ecosystem services that benefit human communities. These can be reflected in the following aspects:
Climate change directly threatens food security in Colombia, particularly affecting the most vulnerable populations. Extreme rainfall, prolonged droughts, and shifting weather patterns negatively impact staple food crops such as corn, rice, and vegetables, leading to significant economic losses and shortages.[34]
Morichal in La Primavera, Vichada. Rising temperatures during the dry months have dried up these reservoirs, negatively impacting the biological systems there.
The economic impact of this food crisis is considerable. Since 2020, the prices of basic foodstuffs have increased by an average of 15%, which has generated a rise in the cost of living and disproportionately affects the poorest populations. According to the Rural Agricultural Planning Unit (UPRA), regions affected by the decline in agricultural production face high levels of food insecurity, particularly in rural areas where income alternatives are limited.[35]
Colombia, as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, has implemented various strategies to address climate change. These actions are aimed at both mitigatinggreenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapting to climate impacts. These policies are aligned with international commitments, such as the Paris Agreement, and seek to protect strategic ecosystems, reduce emissions, and strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities.
Reducing Deforestation: Forest protection is one of the key mitigation strategies. According to the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies (IDEAM), the deforestation rate in Colombia decreased from 171,685 hectares in 2021 to 123,517 hectares in 2022, representing a 28% reduction. Programs such as Visión Amazonía and agreements with local communities have been fundamental to these advances.[38]
Sustainable Mobility Cities such as Bogotá and Medellín are leading the adoption of electric public transport. Bogotá currently has 1,485 electric buses, the largest fleet in Latin America, which has reduced CO₂ emissions by 94,300 tons annually.[40] In addition, non-motorized mobility projects have increased bicycle use since 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bogotá experienced a notable increase in the use of bicycles as a means of transport. In April 2020, around 360,000 daily bicycle trips were recorded, a figure that increased to 650,000 by December of the same year, representing an increase of 80%. This increase reflects the growing preference for sustainable modes of transport and public policies aimed at promoting non-motorized mobility in the city.[41]
Páramo de Chingaza is the main water supplier for the city of Bogotá, serving nearly 70% of the population.
Water Resource Management The páramos, which supply nearly 70% of Colombia's drinking water, are being severely affected by rising temperatures and the expansion of agricultural activities. IDEAM warns that around 50% of these ecosystems have suffered some type of intervention, reducing their capacity to conserve and regulate water. Initiatives such as the Páramos Climate Change Adaptation Program have benefited more than 2 million people, improving the water supply in key cities such as Bogotá and Bucaramanga.[33]
Resilient Infrastructure: Colombia has invested in sustainable infrastructure to reduce damage caused by natural disasters. The National Disaster Risk Management Policy has allocated 1.2 billion pesos for the construction of projects to mitigate flooding and landslides in vulnerable regions such as Chocó and the Coffee Region.[43]
Education and Awareness Programs such as Escuelas climaticas have trained more than 50,000 students in rural communities to face the challenges of climate change, integrating traditional knowledge with nature-based solutions. One of the highlighted strategies is the incorporation of climate change into basic education, through the creation of educational materials such as the booklet "El clima cambio, yo tambien." This tool is aimed at teachers at educational institutions and presents clear proposals for integrating the topic of climate change into the curriculum and School Environmental Projects (PRAE), adapting them to the specific problems of the territories.[45] Furthermore, in June 2023, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the National Environmental Education Program was launched. This program seeks to strengthen citizen competencies for environmental care, involving various stakeholders in the territory in a collective effort. It focuses on providing training to 5,000 educational establishments and supporting 13 priority territories, including regions such as the Amazon, La Mojana and the biogeographic Pacific.[46]
Colombia has reaffirmed its commitment to the Paris Agreement, setting a goal to reduce its GHG emissions by 51% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. To achieve this, the country has submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and actively participates in forums such as the COP and the Alliance of Amazon Countries[47]. The country has established the goal of carbon neutrality as a long-term objective.[48] To achieve these objectives, the country has outlined a roadmap that includes mitigation and adaptation measures necessary to meet the targets set out in its updated NDC.[49]
Brazil Belem intervention Amazon Summit.
Colombia also actively participates in international forums such as the Conference of the Parties (COP) and the Alliance of Amazonian Countries. At COP16, held in Cali from October 20 to November 1, 2024, the importance of protecting and safeguarding the Amazon was highlighted in global biodiversity negotiations.[50]
Colombia has also worked to strengthen alliances with countries like Brazil to defend the Amazon and promote biodiversity on the international agenda. In this context, meetings have been organized at the United Nations General Assembly to consolidate the alliance of the 17 most biodiverse countries in the world.[51]These commitments and actions reflect Colombia's determination to confront the challenges of climate change and contribute to global efforts to protect the environment and biodiversity.
Colombia has recognized the need for robust financing to address the effects of climate change and advance mitigation and adaptation policies. In this regard, the country's participation in international initiatives and access to global funds have been key to strengthening its response capacity to address climate challenges.
Climate Finance Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) System:Colombia has implemented an MRV system to track and report climate finance flows, ensuring transparency and effectiveness in resource allocation.[53]
National Climate Finance Strategy (NCFS): This strategy guides the mobilization of domestic and external resources to finance climate changemitigation and adaptation actions, aligning investments with national priorities.[52]
Despite progress in resource mobilization, Colombia faces challenges in inter-institutional coordination and attracting private investment for climate projects. Effective implementation of the Climate Finance MRV is crucial to overcome these barriers and ensure efficient resource allocation.[53] In particular, the country is strengthening coordination between public and private entities to channel resources efficiently.[54]
Thus, the Colombian government's recent initiative, which launched a $40 billion investment portfolio for the energy and climate transition, represents a significant opportunity to strengthen climate action in the country.[55]Colombia's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 has opened up new opportunities for climate finance. Initiatives such as the Estrategia Climática de Largo Plazo (E2050) seek to build climate-resilient development by promoting carbon neutrality in the country's productive and extractive activities.[56]
Furthermore, programs such as REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) play a fundamental role in the fight against climate change by reducing emissions caused by deforestation and promoting forest conservation. These projects, implemented in regions such as the Amazon and the Colombian Pacific, not only contribute to environmental conservation but also generate additional resources for local communities.
Colombia's participation in the Pacific Alliance also provides a platform for generating additional resources, especially for forest conservation and restoration projects. Through this regional collaboration, joint policies and actions are promoted that facilitate the mobilization of climate finance and strengthen the country's capacity to achieve its carbon-neutrality goals.[56]
In Colombia, climate change is considered one of the main environmental threats. According to the 2023 Citizen Perception Survey on Climate Change conducted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), 87% of Colombians consider this phenomenon to be a serious or very serious problem for the country. Furthermore, 74% of respondents stated they were willing to modify their daily habits, such as the efficient use of water and energy, to contribute to its mitigation.[57]
A 2023 study by the European Investment Bank revealed that 94% of Colombians consider climate change a serious threat to their country. Furthermore, 9 out of 10 citizens demand the implementation of stricter policies to combat it. This level of concern exceeds the global average and reflects a high environmental awareness in Colombian society. Among the priority actions identified by respondents are the transition to renewable energy, improved waste management, and the protection of strategic ecosystems, such as forests and paramos. Likewise, Colombians perceive the fight against climate change as a shared responsibility between citizens, the government, and private companies.[58]
In recent years, Colombia has witnessed a surge in social mobilization related to the climate crisis. Youth groups such as Fridays for Future Colombia have led marches and campaigns demanding greater ambition in climate policies.[61] Likewise, Indigenous organizations, such as the National Indigenous Organization of Colombia (ONIC), have played a key role in highlighting the importance of ancestral knowledge in climate change adaptation.[62][63]
Annual events such as Car-Free Day and Motorcycle-Free Day, implemented in cities like Bogotá and Medellín, have raised awareness about the need to reduce carbon emissions in urban environments.[64] According to a report by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, these initiatives have resulted in a decrease in daily emissions in these cities, citing Bogotá as one of the first cities in the world to create emergency bike paths.[65]
Bogotá received the 2022 Sustainable Transport Award from the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) in recognition of its innovations in sustainable mobility and its positive impact on the fight against climate change. The city has spearheaded projects promoting low-carbon transportation, such as the expansion of its bike paths network, the introduction of 1,485 electric buses, considered the largest fleet in Latin America, and improvements to pedestrian infrastructure.[65]
These initiatives have not only reduced greenhouse gas emissions but have also improved residents' quality of life by prioritizing safe and accessible public spaces. This approach, held up as an example for other cities around the world, reflects Bogotá's commitment to sustainable urban development and its contribution to climate changemitigation.[65]
In Colombia, glacier retreat is monitored through a combination of advanced technologies led by IDEAM,[69] including the use of remote sensors and satellites such as Landsat, Sentinel-2, ASTER, and MODIS, which allow for the analysis of glacier cover and comparison of its extent over time through multitemporal analysis. High-precision cartography techniques using differential GPS and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) equipped with multispectral and RGB cameras are also used to generate high-resolution digital elevation models. IDEAM has also installed automatic meteorological stations in areas of glacial influence. These stations measure climatic variables such as temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, and wind, data that are essential for feeding glacier mass balance models. Added to this are historical records of aerial photographs, available since the 1950s, which are compared with current images to reconstruct the dynamics of the glaciers, as well as direct measurements made by IDEAM field brigades on ice thickness, accumulation and ablation at different points of the snow-capped mountains.[70]
^Organización Internacional para las Migraciones (2017). "Migraciones, ambiente y cambio climático"(PDF). Organización Internacional para las Migraciones (OIM). Buenos Aires. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
^ abcInstituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales - Ideam (2022). "Estudio Nacional del Agua 2022"(PDF). Ministerio de Ambiente. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
^ abcPower, Maeve (2022-02-09). "Bogotá Wins 2022 Sustainable Transport Award". Institute for Transportation and Development Policy - Promoting sustainable and equitable transportation worldwide. Retrieved 2024-12-19.
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