Andean nations face drought

The impact of climate change is expected to dominate talks between European and Latin American leaders meeting in Lima.

MOREINFO: Scientists have warned glaciers in the Andes mountains will melt away entirely over the next 25 years because of rising temperatures. In Peru, the host country for the summit meeting, President Alan Garcia has created the first environment ministry - just days in advance of the gathering. Darcy Lambton reports.

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High up in the Andes mountains an environmental bomb is ticking.

Small glaciers scattered across the region serve as a key fresh water source for Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador.

But now scientists warn those glaciers will melt away completely over the next 25 years.

They blame global warming and say the livelihoods of millions will be badly hit.

Orlando Cora is a local meteorogist.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PERUVIAN NATIONAL METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE SCIENTIST, ORLANDO CORA, SAYING:

"Every day the glaciers are melting more, and that affects the other glaciers [attached to them] and so it is all breaking apart. The availability of water in countries bordering the mountains is going down with huge speed."

That's one reason why climate change will top the agenda when regional and European leaders meet in Peru on Friday and Saturday.

Biofuels and their impact on rampant food prices are also likely to dominate proceedings.

The smog filled streets of the Peruvian capital will be a telling reminder of the need for action rather than well intentioned rhetoric.

Alan Garcia is President of Peru.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PRESIDENT ALAN GARCIA REFERRING TO THE COMMITMENT TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS, SAYING:

"We do not have any right to destroy humanity's future by abusing the environment or precipitating its degradation. Growth without poverty and respect for the environment are the two main objectives of this summit."

It's expected delegates will be urged to promote reforestation and carbon trading systems.

Peru is also pushing for the creation of a global reforestation fund financed by a fossil fuels tax.

Darcy Lambton, Reuters