Abstract

Since the “discovery” of the New World by Columbus, the development of Latin America has been heavily affected by European action. The exchange between the two regions has always been ambivalent, characterized by dominance and dependence, but also by cooperation and mutual inspiration. In this context, raw natural materials have always played a central role in defining their interaction. 

Now, both regions are no strangers to climate change – a challenge they will face collectively, even if differently. Thus, this lecture explores the many historical conditions and discusses the current relations between the two regions in an attempt to provide an outlook of their complex relationship in the upcoming future.