Securing a Resilient Economic Future for South America: Tackling the Impact of Extreme Weather on Vulnerable Communities

In 2024, Bolivia faced devastating wildfires, burning an area of 12.6 million hectares—about four times the size of Belgium. These fires were among the worst recorded, impacting many Indigenous communities. For example, Agustín from the Los Tajibos community shared how they lost essential crops like cassava and bananas, leaving them struggling to survive.

The fires came on the heels of a crippling drought, which lasted from June to October, making recovery especially hard. Brian Baca Talamas, a coordinator with the Paikoneka volunteer fire brigade, noted that the drought already took a toll on their crops. Even basic needs are hard to meet, as most vehicles in these communities were damaged while fighting the fires.

In Bella Vista, over 70% of farmland was destroyed. Maria Rodriguez Sorioco described the situation as dire, with few resources left for planting. Families are now forced to seek work as day laborers, often underpaid and struggling to afford food.

The fires triggered the largest wave of migration in the history of the Paikoneka Indigenous Centre: one in five families had to move to cities in search of work. Three months after the fires, life was still far from normal.

The wildfires in Bolivia were part of a broader pattern affecting much of Latin America. Countries like Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Peru also struggled with severe droughts and wildfires in 2024. The World Meteorological Organization reported that hurricanes and floods intensified in the region. A recent report from the Pan American Health Organization warned that 74% of Latin American countries are highly exposed to extreme weather events, a significant concern given that 17% of jobs in the area rely directly on ecosystems.

According to Deissy Martínez-Barón, a Colombian researcher, agriculture is the most vulnerable sector. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns are already impacting crops, and the situation is likely to worsen. Santiago Lorenzo from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean emphasizes that investment in climate adaptation is critical.

If governments don’t act, we may see millions lose their jobs. However, a shift towards sustainable practices could create up to 15 million jobs in the region by 2030, as reported by the Inter-American Development Bank. The challenge, though, is a lack of long-term planning among both governments and local producers.

For instance, initiatives in Guatemala and Honduras focus on creating ‘climate-smart villages’, where communities adapt farming practices to withstand climate change. These projects arm small farmers with tools and knowledge, enabling them to be self-sufficient.

International collaboration is crucial as well. This year’s COP30 in Brazil presents an opportunity for local voices to be heard regarding climate adaptation and workers’ rights. Raimundo Ribeiro from the Amazonian Trade Union Network argues that protecting the rainforest and its people must go hand in hand. He insists that climate adaptation should also address forced labor and provide better working conditions.

The discussion around climate change is growing. As Dr. Martínez-Barón points out, community-level realities must be prioritized. “They face the day-to-day effects of climate change directly,” she notes.

In a time when weather extremes are becoming more common, the need for action has never been clearer. Understanding how to adapt and protect vulnerable communities remains essential, not just for Bolivia but for the entire region.



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