Municipal index of climate vulnerability in Colombia 2020: A multidimensional approach on social, economic and environmental issues

Municipal index of climate vulnerability in Colombia 2020: A multidimensional approach on social, economic and environmental issues

1. Host Institution:
   The Centro de Pensamiento Estratégico Internacional (CEPEI), Cra. 3 #11-55, Bogotá, Colombia, Tel: +57-1-3001051 |
   Email: contacto@cepei.org
   
2. Supervisors :
   Fredy Rodríguez, Data Coordinator | Jamiil Toure Ali, Data Scientist 
   
3. Project Description:
   Colombia is the second most biodiverse country globally. Its variety of ecosystems and climates allow it to host various species of flora and fauna as well as be the sixth country with the most significant water wealth in the world. However, the main change climatic effects, such as variations in precipitation and temperature, put at risk the capacity of ecosystems to produce water, food, and other vital support services for human survival.
   
   Likewise, loss of natural cover mainly due to anthropocentric activities, increases the degree of environmental and socio-economic vulnerability in some territories, exposing their population to poverty, food shortages, and potable water supply. This proposal seeks to identify the most susceptible municipalities and departments of Colombia to climate change and deforestation’s socio-economic and environmental impacts. It aims to generate evidence that allows the local governments prioritizing water supply, food provision, employment, risk management, protection of biodiversity, quality of life, etc., as followed by Sustainable Development Goals.
   
   We will use secondary information sources, such as climate vulnerability maps for Colombia until the year 2040 (provides by the institute of hydrology, meteorology and environmental studies in Colombia), deforestation and coverage loss maps (Environmental Information System), and demographic information and data on the social, environmental, economic, and dynamics of the territories. This data is consigned in the territorial planning instruments.
   
4. Expected outcome:
   The expected results are the generation of a municipal vulnerability index, which relates the social, economic and environmental impacts related to climate change and the loss of natural cover. In that sense, we will design a prospective analysis that includes information about the scenarios of change in temperature and precipitation foreseen for Colombia by 2040, changes in natural cover, and a socioeconomic dynamic.
   
   The prospective analysis scope will be the design of three scenarios depending on the degree of vulnerability (high, medium, and low). Likewise, we will evaluate some categories in each scenario, such as the economy (SDGs 1 and 8), social issues (SDGs 2,3,7, and 10), and environment (SDGs 6, 13, and 15).
   
   The results of each municipality (1.103) and department (32) in Colombia will be classified and presented through thematic maps on vulnerability to the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of climate change. We will also work on a document with the top public policy recommendations for those municipalities with a moderate and high rating.
   
   Finally, we consider needing two fellows for the design of this research proposal. They must have minimal knowledge in SIG, big data analysis, and visualization data.

Applications for this internship should be submitted via the online application system, stating clearly the title of the internship.

Deadline for applications: February 28th, 2021 at 11:59 PM Central Africa Time (CAT)

Any inquiries about these internships should be sent to:
aims-ms4cr.internship@nexteinstein.org.