The environmental problems in Mexico affect all their ecosystems. The Mexican biodiversity is strongly affected, and even some species are in danger of extinction .
In Mexico, serious environmental problems are evident, such as the air pollution generated as a result of the gases generated by cars and factories.
Puebla, Mexico
There is also a serious water contamination which was generated, among other things, by the abrupt growth of the population and the smuggling of chemical fluids, which end up spilling into the rivers, lakes and beaches of Mexico.
In addition to the fauna and flora, humans have been affected by these environmental problems. Air pollution has generated chronic respiratory problems in some Mexicans, especially those living in large cities.
It has also been determined through studies that the inhabitants of Mexico have high levels of lead and cadmium in the blood, which brings with it a high risk of suffering diseases in the kidneys, in the stomach, or even cancer.
The main causes of these environmental problems involve state regulations, the application of which is not strict regarding the prevention of harmful actions, or the corresponding sanctions once an action has been committed that damages the environment.
The 7 most important environmental problems in Mexico
1- Air pollution
This is one of the most well-known problems in Mexico. The United Nations declared Mexico City in 1992 as the most polluted in the world, presenting major environmental problems.
The sources of air pollution in Mexico are mainly the gases generated by automobiles, and those produced by industries and large factories.
Air pollution affects the respiratory capacity and favors the accumulation of lead, which can lead to insomnia, weight loss and weakness in the motor field.
Air pollution in Mexico has also caused citizens to be exposed to significant levels of cadmium, a metal whose intake or absorption can lead to kidney problems, stomach ailments and brittle bones.
2 - Deforestation
According to figures from the Institute of Geography of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, this country loses about 500,000 hectares per year of forests and forests. Given this reality, Mexico is the fifth country in the world in the fast pace of deforestation.
Deforestation is generated as a consequence of the use of soils as scenarios for cultivation, or for the construction of industries or urban complexes.
Government data have determined that at least 17% of the Mexican surface is totally eroded.
This has resulted in a large part of the ecosystem of Mexico , such as tropical and temperate forests, have disappeared, and may disappear completely.
3- Contamination of water by chemical spills
Mexico has suffered several chemical spills in its territory. This is considered to be a consequence of lax state regulation and low environmental commitment in some of the managers of large Mexican industries.
In August 2014, about 40 thousand liters of water were spilled on the Sonora River. sulfuric acid , a highly toxic element for living beings that can cause death.
That same month there was an oil spill in the Hondo river in Veracruz; and another one on the San Juan River in Nuevo León. These two spills were attributed to illegal seizures of oil pipelines.
The consequence of this contamination affects all the living beings that inhabit the waters, cattle and humans.
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4- Water contamination by household drainage
One of the most worrying problems in Mexico is its drainage system, which usually directs household waste to rivers, lakes, beaches and other aquatic ecosystems.
This has led to the destruction of reefs, wetlands and mangroves. The absence of strict regulations on the treatment of wastewater has resulted in thousands of animal species being affected.
An example of this is Xochimilco, a place located southeast of Mexico City that has more than 140 aquatic species that are fundamental to Mexican fauna, and which is being affected, among other things, by house drainage in rivers and beaches.
You may be interested The 14 Types of Ecosystems in Mexico Most Common .
5- Species in danger of extinction
As a result of pollution and deforestation, there is a large Mexican biodiversity that is in danger of extinction.
Mexico is considered one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, and this depends directly on the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of the country.
It is estimated that more than 2% of Mexican fauna, which in many cases can not be found in other parts of the world, is at risk of extinction. Example of this is the ajolote, an amphibian that is able to regenerate on its own.
Also in danger of extinction is the vaquita, a cetacean endemic to Mexico that is often found in proco deep waters.
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6- Plagues
There are several plagues - some endemic and others introduced, that affect the diverse Mexican ecosystems and can bring serious consequences.
In the agricultural field they emphasize the aphid, a pest that avoids the maturation of the fruits and infects to the plants so gravely that it generates the death to them; and the red spider, a mite that feeds on the fruits and leaves of plants, which can also cause the plant to die.
There are other fish that are also considered pests, such as tilapia and carp, which are predators and end with Mexican endemic species .
7- Fishing overexploitation
Massive overfishing in Mexico has resulted in inadequate recovery of fish and, consequently, the danger of extinction of some species.
There are some marine reserves, but they cover only 2% of Mexico's aquatic territory. Illegal fishing and smuggling of species are factors closely related to overfishing.
There are also criticisms regarding the government's position on this problem, since the existing regulation is not strictly adhered to.
References
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