Challenges and Potential Sustainable Solutions of Environmental Threats and Climate Change in Guatemala

The relationship between sustainable development, environment and climate change is not, in practice, an ideal situation. Often, in many countries, the adoption of laws and international commitments regarding climate change do not generate short-term actions capable of anticipating already existing and future situations and threats. The so-called “Dry Corridors” in Guatemala is an example of this weakness. From this situation emerges a series of challenges regarding sustainable development, environment and climate change threats that require an effective coordination between the main stakeholders in order to make a significant change. Multiple challenges should convert into priorities to make a difference with regard to these issues. This study is oriented to point out three (3) of them which are crucial. This will enable decision-makers, with this guidance, to provide the foundations for the short, mid and long-term. Firstly, there is a need to have an efficient strategy formulated, implemented and evaluated for the eradication of poverty and hunger. These populations are the ones that suffer more sustainable development shortcomings, environmental and climate change impacts. Usually, these events translate into food insecurity and low nutrition levels. Secondly, it is necessary to avoid factors that prevent effective coordination between the private sector, civil society, government and academic sectors, which together constitute the pillars of the “Quadruple Helix” alliance network. They are usually main protagonists of these impacts, especially at the local level. Finally, there is an urgency of approving a decentralized effort involving these actors mainly at local levels. The separation of regulations, the generation of specific benefits for the target populations and the payment of these goods and services are part of a participation culture that engages all stakeholders. This last alternative gives rise to 19 modalities with different alliances and behaviors of the aforementioned sectors to face detected weaknesses.