BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — CLIMATE variabilities is significantly affecting food security across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), according to a new report from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
The 2024 report highlights how shifting weather patterns exacerbate malnutrition in the region. Latin America and the Caribbean rank just behind Asia as one of the world's most climate-vulnerable regions, with 74% of analyzed countries frequently experiencing extreme weather and over half identified as highly susceptible to food insecurity.
Persistent issues like inequality, lack of access to affordable healthy diets, and unhealthy food environments further compound the effects of climate events. Structural challenges, such as conflicts and economic crises, add to the strain.
Between 2019 and 2023, the prevalence of undernourishment in climate-affected countries rose by 1.5 percentage points, with the most vulnerable populations—those with fewer resources—disproportionately impacted. Economic recessions have worsened conditions in many areas.
In 2023, hunger affected 41 million people in the region—a reduction of 2.9 million from 2022 and 4.3 million from 2021. Despite this progress, disparities persist. Hunger prevalence has increased in the Caribbean, reaching 17.2%.
Moderate or severe food insecurity also declined, affecting 187.6 million people in 2023—19.7 million fewer than in 2022. For the first time in a decade, the region's food insecurity rate fell below the global average.
The report underscores the urgent need for resilient agrifood systems to address hunger and malnutrition.
While stunting affected 22.3% of children globally in 2022, its prevalence in LAC was 11.5%—notable progress but still concerning. However, the double burden of malnutrition—undernourishment and overweight—persists, particularly in communities most exposed to climate events.
The report concludes with a call for immediate, coordinated action to address these challenges and ensure the region’s progress toward eradicating hunger and malnutrition.
