Rising global food prices and favorable rainfall patterns in recent decades have allowed farmers in South America's Southern Cone region to grow crops on formerly marginal lands. But if climate patterns shift and the rains start to fail, the region could face devastating losses in its economy, livelihoods and infrastructure.
The International Research Institute is working with local partners to characterize the climatic variability of the region and to take actions that will make people in these marginal lands more resilient to climate-related risk.