Peru to spend more than $1 bln on climate plan, mitigate El Niño
During a Cabinet meeting with President Dina Boluarte, Economy Minister Alex Contreras revealed that the Peruvian government plans to allocate approximately $1.06 billion towards climate and weather initiatives aimed at mitigating and managing the adverse impacts resulting from climate change and El Niño-related weather events.
As El Niño, a Pacific Ocean climate pattern that influences weather patterns, is projected to cause heavy rainfall and possible flooding in Peru starting in April, the announcement emphasized the “significant risks” that climate events pose to the country’s economic well-being.
Contreras reported that the South American country suffered over $300 million in damages to its infrastructure due to the recent heavy rains and flooding caused by the powerful cyclone Yaku.
As a result, the minister announced that the spending plan would prioritize areas where the most significant climate impacts are anticipated, and disbursements are scheduled to commence in the upcoming weeks.
At the beginning of this month, the government agency ENFEN, responsible for studying El Niño, issued a coastal alert due to an unforeseen rise in surface temperatures of the Pacific Ocean.
During the Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Alberto Otarola stated that the projected warming is likely to persist until July, and there will probably be higher-than-average rainfall in April and June.
In recent years, Peru has experienced significant weather-related disasters.
Official data shows that in 2017, at least 162 people lost their lives, and infrastructure, including roads and bridges, suffered severe damage equivalent to 2% of the country’s economy, which was attributed to El Niño-related weather.
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