Chilean Study Outlines Projected 1-1.5C Average Temperature Increases, 10-15% Loss In Rainfall, Snow

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Chile has enjoyed one of the most dynamic economies in Latin America in recent years, largely based on a booming export sector.

But new studies by Chilean scientists suggest climate change could pose huge challenges for the country.

The scientists say their models show projected temperature increases of at least 1C to 1.5C and a drop in rainfall of at least 10 to 15% in the next 40 years.

These changes could have a particular impact on agriculture in Chile's central zone, home to a large part of the country's population. "Agriculture is the most exposed sector, particularly the forestry sector, and the vines and fruits in the central region which are reliant on irrigation schemes," Professor Fernando Santibanez from the University of Chile told the BBC.

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8058080.stm