Peruvian Eduardo Calvo, who holds degrees in environmental science and economics, is a member of the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change, which issued a report on April 6 about the impacts of climate change worldwide. An earlier document from the panel examined the scientific evidence of climate change, while a report due out in May will explore mitigation measures, which are Calvo’s specialty. The April meeting was fraught with controversy, as sections of the draft summary for decision makers—including references to the need for a combination of mitigation and adaptation and the need to protect contiguous ecosystems—were excised, angering some scientists. Pressure to soften the report, Calvo says, came from the three major players—the United States, which produces the most emissions; China, where emissions are growing fastest; and Saudi Arabia, the world’s No. 1 petroleum producer. Calvo spoke recently with EcoAméricas correspondent Barbara Fraser in Lima. [Log in to read more]

Would you like to Subscribe?