Climate change is a topic of worIdwide concern. Nevertheless, climate change, not being seen as a priority amongst other issues, has not yet been strongly incorporated into the environmental or economic policy agendas of developing countries. Nevertheless, evidence shows that some of the most adverse effects of climate change will be experienced by developing countries whose populations are the most vulnerable and least likely to be able to adapt to climate change. For instance, although Latín America countries represent only 9 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, the social and economic impact of those emissions is significantly greater than in developed and emergent countries. This phenomenon is called "double inequity" where the impact of climate change is felt most deeply by poorest societies who are not the main emitters. In this respect, it is important that developing countries, especially South American countries, integrate climate change issues into their decision-making process, where energy policy plays an important role in their development. The main drivers behind contemporary energy policy are.

The report offers a comprehensive review of the status and trends in the region’s renewable energy development. It highlights Latin America’s wealth of knowledge, draws key lessons, and outlines findings to support the continued expansion of renewables for power generation, transport and other end-uses.

This book comprehensively analyzes the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning to sustainable energy systems in Latin America. Recognizing that energy transition goes beyond mere changes in energy systems, it is also essential to address the imperative of ensuring a just transition and equitable benefits for all, particularly for vulnerable populations. This recognition emphasizes prioritizing social equity and inclusivity throughout the energy transition process. By adopting a critical perspective grounded in multidisciplinary approaches from the social sciences, the book delves into the complex energy transition issues, exploring the broader social, economic, and political dimensions involved. The book is divided into four parts. Part I highlights the changing energy mix in Latin America and the geopolitical implications of the increasing reliance on renewable sources. Part II examines the dilemmas faced by countries that rely on oil and gas revenues and the obstacles they face in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Part III analyzes the production, technology, and costs as limits and opportunities for energy transition and adoption of renewable energies. Finally, part IV explores energy access and the democratization of energy generation in Latin America, including efforts to address energy poverty, the growth of distributed energy, and prosumers. Energy Transitions in Latin America: The Tough Route to Sustainable Development is a valuable resource that will benefit researchers in energy studies and policymakers alike. It serves as a comprehensive guide for those seeking to navigate the complexities of energy transitions. It is an essential source for fostering informed decision-making and driving sustainable development in the region.

Master's Thesis from the year 2012 in the subject Economy - Environment economics, grade: 1,0, Business School INSEEC Paris - Bordeaux, language: English, abstract: This present empirical Master thesis deals with renewable energies as potential growth factor in emerging countries in the context of sustainable economic development. The geographical focus is placed on South America. The sample embraces Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Colombia whose energy markets are interrelated through historical and political commonalities which at the same time constitute collaboration obstacles in energy trade. The concrete research question is whether renewable energies can act as an acceleration factor upon the development of emerging South American economies and refers to the assumption that renewable energies may contribute to economic growth. Following a substantive literature review eight hypotheses were formulated and verified by means of multivariate regression models including different checks and tests regarding: significance of the coefficients (p-value), significance of the regression model (F-Test), autocorrelation (Durbin-Watson-Test), multicollinearity (VIF value), heteroscedasticity (Goldfeld-Quandt-Test), and structural break (Chow-Test). Empirical input data were gathered from publicly available sources, such as the IEA and the World Bank. The results are transparently visualized by numerous figures and tables. In general, the results indicate the existence of positive and negative relations between various dependent and independent variables related to macroeconomic and renewable energy proxies which were used for the forming of hypotheses. Finally, the empirical data gathered in present study provide sufficient evidence to conclude that renewable energies act as an important acceleration factor for the development of the economies of Brazil, Chile and Colombia. In the case of Argentina, a sufficient amount of significant results could not be obtained to make a judgment with respect to the research question.

There is an increasing consensus in the scientific community that climate change is a real and present threat. Despite the large uncertainty on the timing, magnitude and even the direction of some of the physical and economic effects of this phenomenon, it is widely accepted that these effects will be regionally differentiated and that developing countries and lower income populations will tend to suffer the most. In this context, it is critical that Latin American and Caribbean countries develop their own strategies for adapting to the various impacts of climate change and for contributing to global efforts aimed at mitigation. 'Low Carbon, High Growth' contributes to these efforts by addressing a number of questions related to the causes and consequences of climate change in Latin America. What are the likely impacts of climate change in the region? Which countries and regions will be most affected? What can governments do to tackle the challenges associated with adapting to climate change? What role can Latin America and the Caribbean play in the area of climate change mitigation? How can the international community best help the region respond? While the study does not attempt to provide definitive answers to these questions, its goal is to contribute new information and analysis to help inform the public policy debate on this important issue.

"While the energy sector is a primary target of efforts to arrest and reverse the growth of greenhouse gas emissions and lower the carbon footprint of development, it is also expected to be increasingly affected by unavoidable climate consequences from the damage already induced in the biosphere. Energy services and resources, as well as seasonal demand, will be increasingly affected by changing trends, increasing variability, greater extremes and large inter-annual variations in climate parameters in some regions. All evidence suggests that adaptation is not an optional add-on but an essential reckoning on par with other business risks. Existing energy infrastructure, new infrastructure and future planning need to consider emerging climate conditions and impacts on design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Integrated risk-based planning processes will be critical to address the climate change impacts and harmonize actions within and across sectors. Also, awareness, knowledge, and capacity impede mainstreaming of climate adaptation into the energy sector. However, the formal knowledge base is still nascent?information needs are complex and to a certain extent regionally and sector specific. This report provides an up-to-date compendium of what is known about weather variability and projected climate trends and their impacts on energy service provision and demand. It discusses emerging practices and tools for managing these impacts and integrating climate considerations into planning processes and operational practices in an environment of uncertainty. It focuses on energy sector adaptation, rather than mitigation which is not discussed in this report. This report draws largely on available scientific and peer-reviewed literature in the public domain and takes the perspective of the developing world to the extent possible."