UN agency: LatAm able to tackle sustainable growth

Latin America can achieve sustainable growth by promoting alternative means of development, the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) said on Wednesday.

Latin America "has the potential to simultaneously tackle the economic, social and environmental challenges that face the region," and meet the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations, according to Joseluis Samaniego, ECLAC's Director of Sustainable Development and Human Settlements.

In an in-depth interview, released as part of ECLAC's Horizons series, Samaniego said that to do that, the region needs to embrace "alternative development" means that can boost productivity while preserving the environment.

Latin America in general is burdened by systems of production and consumption dating from the 20th century, which are proving to be environmentally unsustainable in the long run, he said.

ECLAC considers Costa Rica and Uruguay to be two regional success stories, in terms of overhauling their energy networks to supply energy from predominantly renewable sources.

Ecuador has boosted its hydroelectric energy infrastructure, while Brazil, Chile and Mexico have made significant headway in promoting renewable energy.

Latin America can also generate value chains by building mass transit infrastructure, especially to improve urban mobility and alleviate congestion in the region's larger cities.

The strategy has many benefits, Samaniego noted, saying it "can improve quality of life, minimize the environmental footprint, be much more inclusive and generate new engines of development."

These changes can help the region meet the goals outlined by the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and contribute to combating climate change. Enditem