Based on analysis of recent data on the
evolution of global temperatures, snow and ice covers, and
sea level rise, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) has recently declared that "warming of
the climate system is unequivocal." Global surface
temperatures, in particular, have increased during the past
50 years at twice the speed observed during the first half
of the 20th century. The IPCC has also concluded that with

This country note briefly summarizes
information relevant to both climate change and agriculture
in Mexico, with focus on policy developments (including
action plans and programs) and institutional make-up. Mexico
is the only developing country to have submitted three
national communications to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), indicating strong
commitment by the government for addressing climate change

Agriculture is one of the major sources
of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting for
approximately 14 percent of total GHG emissions. However,
unlike other sectors such as transport or energy,
agriculture is potentially a significant carbon
'sink'. Moreover, because the majority of GHG
emissions from agriculture originate in developing
countries, early intervention could be highly
cost-effective. This note examines the potential role of

Estimating the potential costs of
climate destabilization is not a trivial matter. Potential
climate impacts have multiple consequences, some of which
can be monetized while others are beyond the reach of
standard economic tools. A full assessment of the
implications of climate impacts often cannot be completed
because many of the consequences are only partly known. This
report summarizes data recently made available, through the

Global warming and changes in climate
have already had observed impacts on natural ecosystems and
species. Natural systems such as wetlands, mangroves, coral
reefs, cloud forests, and Arctic and high-latitude
ecosystems are especially vulnerable to climate-induced
disturbances. However, enhanced protection and management of
biological resources and habitats can mitigate the impacts
and contribute to solutions as nations and communities

Yemen is particularly vulnerable to
climate change and variability impacts because of its water
dependence and current high levels of water stress. This
natural resource challenge is compounded by demographic
pressure, weak governance and institutions, and by a
deteriorating economic situation. The economic and social
outlook is not bright, and planning and international
support will certainly be needed to help Yemen to adapt to

This country note briefly summarizes
information relevant to both climate change and agriculture
in Bolivia, with focus on policy developments (including
action plans and programs) and institutional make-up. Like
most countries in Latin America, Bolivia has submitted one
national communication to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) with a second one
under preparation. Land use change and forestry, coupled

This country note briefly summarizes
information relevant to both climate change and agriculture
in Brazil, with focus on policy developments (including
action plans and programs) and institutional make-up. In
Brazil, the 5th largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the
world, agriculture (including land use change and forestry)
is the largest contributor to green house gas (GHG)
emissions. The emission reduction potential of the

This country note briefly summarizes
information relevant to both climate change and agriculture
in Ecuador, with focus on policy developments (including
action plans and programs) and institutional make-up. Like
most countries in Latin America, Ecuador has submitted one
national communication to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) with a second one
under preparation. Land use change and forestry are the

This country note briefly summarizes
information relevant to both climate change and agriculture
in Venezuela, with focus on policy developments (including
action plans and programs) and institutional make-up. Like
most countries in Latin America, Venezuela has submitted one
national communication to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) with a second one
under preparation. Land use change and forestry are the

A pattern of forest area loss followed
by a period of reforestation is representative of the forest
transition process. Forest transition has been observed in
many countries and is a feature of the development process.
China reached its inflection point earlier and faster than
most other countries that have gone through the transition.
The report describes the success of reforms to forest
resource tenure in collective forest areas. These reforms,

This country note briefly summarizes
information relevant to both climate change and agriculture
in Haiti, with focus on policy developments (including
action plans and programs) and institutional make-up. Haiti
has submitted its National Adaptation Plan of Action to the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC). Land use change and forestry are the largest
contributors to green house gas (GHG) emissions in the