Colombia unveils national climate change policy

Colombia's government launched a national policy to reduce risks associated with climate change. Climate change management will be incorporated into the public and private decision making process.

Environmental minister Luis Murillo said in a press release that, in implementing the peace agreement with the FARC, "there is an immediate need to incorporate climate change considerations into means of planning and organizing the territory, thinking about the sustainability of our regions in the medium and long term".

The policy will expand existing programs which address the risks of climate change. These include disaster management plans, financial protection plans in case of disasters, and strategies to reduce emissions.

The minister added that emerging economies are more vulnerable and have fewer resources to face the impacts of climate change. "With this policy we'll be able to take a step forward by having planning tools that incorporate mitigating actions against climate change", he said.

The press release added that there are 23 regional plans for climate change, while all state capitals have included climate change on their development plans.

Colombia has committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030, while another 10% cut could be achieved with international support, according to the ministry.

A recent study done by weather and environmental research office IDEAM, a subsidiary of the environment ministry said that 100% of Colombia's municipalities face risks associated with climate change, while Murillo himself said that nearly half the country could face natural disasters associated with the phenomenon.