The objective of this book is to raise awareness in the hydrologic community of the important changes that have occurred in the climate and hydrology of the La Plata basin during recent decades. In a context of global climate change and of great regional changes, the assumption that series of climatological and hydrological observations are stationary must be regarded with suspicion. This book therefore presents an overview of the few available techniques for assessing future climate and hydrology.

South America has vast energy resources, but countries in the region are unable to guarantee adequate energy security levels for their consumers. This paper argues that the potential economic benefits from the process of South America’s regional energy integration are high, though national regulations impose strong barriers to such a process. The study deems regional energy cooperation is particularly essential for removing the insecurity of energy supplies facing the region. Findings are:

Electricity security is central to empowering and sustaining economic development in any country or region. This cross-regional report focuses on electricity supply and the extent to which it is traded within Southern Africa and South America, and the resulting state of electricity supply security in these two regions.

This paper discusses concerns about forest-based mitigation projects and their benefit to the small producer and the host country. It assesses the two different kinds of carbon market mechanisms: the clean development mechanism (CDM) developed under the Kyoto Protocol; and the ‘voluntary’ mechanisms, developed separately and not bound by the CDM regulations. As carbon forestry has fewer needs for physical infrastructure to access markets, there are fewer of the traditional barriers that arise when involving small producers in investment opportunities.

Report based on the Regional Preparatory Meeting of REEEP for South America and the Caribbean about the implementation of strategies and recommendations for the promotion of sustainable energy

The Lesser grain borer (LGB) was originally described from South America but now has spread around the world especially to warm and tropical areas like Australia and India where it causes considerable damage to stored grain.