Climate change in Nicaragua

Climate change in Nicaragua carries significant implications for the Central American country as its geographical and systemic features make it extremely vulnerable.

[4] As with other countries in Central America, the effects of climate change are thought to be a contributing factor to emigration from Nicaragua.

[8] Part of Nicaragua's vulnerability to the effects of climate change is a result of its geographical location and geological features.

Tropical cyclones pose a significant and consistent threat to Nicaragua, as its location increases its exposure to these events.

[13] Nicaragua's GDP is likely to be damaged by climate change effects, with estimates that a 1 °C increase in temperature translates to a 1% decrease in productivity growth.

These farmers are more vulnerable to industry adversity, thus any climate change related agricultural loss will impact their livelihood.

[17] In Nicaragua, added stress on agricultural and food systems as a result of increased droughts and rainfall could drive environmental migrants.

[16] Nicaragua's ability to adapt to climate change and the accompanying impacts is hindered by its larger condition of poverty.

[20] A lack of funding and a focus on other pressing issues, like political stability, create barriers for the government to prioritizing climate mitigation.

[21] The Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (MARENA), established in 1979, is Nicaragua's primary government institution that oversees projects and research to address climate change.

[24] The country initially did not ratify the agreement, due to its climate envoy Paul Oquist's opposition to the voluntary nature of nationally determined contributions.