Latin America and the Caribbean are facing a decisive moment in the transformation of their industrial base in the face of an increasingly carbon-driven global landscape. Key sectors such as steel, cement, aluminum, and pulp & paper—historically drivers of regional development—are also responsible for a significant portion of CO₂ emissions. This session will address how international climate policies, such as the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), are redefining the competitiveness of the region's industrial exports. The challenges and opportunities facing the region's countries will be analyzed, as well as the technological and regulatory strategies necessary to move toward a cleaner, more resilient industry aligned with global climate commitments. In a context where urban infrastructure is still expanding, especially in emerging economies, industrial decarbonization is not only an environmental imperative but also an opportunity to position LAC as a leader in sustainable production.
