Pollution of the environment is a problem that has spread to all parts of our planet. But, Guatemala, in addition to presenting levels of pollution that are really worrying, due to its geographical characteristics, is subjected to various human activities that, in combination with climate change, make it difficult to conserve the natural environment.
If you want to know some of the Guatemala's main environmental problems and risks, see this Green Ecologist article on 10 environmental problems in Guatemala, where some strategies are also mentioned that establish recommendations to learn how to protect the environment in Guatemala.
Deforestation in Guatemala
Forests are very important in Guatemala. They account for more than a third of the territory and the population depends on its resources (firewood as the main energy source) and on the ecosystem services it provides (water regulation). Broadleaf and coniferous forests are the most affected. Between the causes of deforestation in Guatemala The following stand out: agricultural expansion, human settlements, extraction of wood and firewood, infrastructure development and illegal logging.
The Forest Incentives Program (PINFOR), the Guatemalan System of Protected Areas (SIGAP) and the Incentives Program for small holders of forest vocation lands (PINPEP) are strategies to fight deforestation.
In these other posts we talk about the Causes of deforestation and also the Consequences of deforestation.
Soil erosion
The greatest soil erosion occurs on agricultural land. The African oil palm plantation (Elaeis guineensis) has increased in Guatemala by 600% in the last ten years, replacing tropical forests and traditional grain crops. This implies the loss of habitats, their biodiversity (eg gorillas) and soil erosion, up to the loss of their fertility. Another major cause of the high rates of soil erosion in Guatemala it is water erosion.
Water contamination
The main water pollution in Guatemala It is due to nutrients, which causes the proliferation of macroalgae. Highlights the contamination of rivers by solid waste (eg: plastics) and liquids (eg: oils and fuels), which end up discharging into the sea.
Here we talk more about the Causes and consequences of water pollution and pollution of rivers and lakes.
Soil contamination
One of the abiotic factors most affected by pollution in Guatemala it is the ground. The lack of awareness is reflected in an increase in the use of chemicals in agriculture and in the leachate from garbage dumps that pollute soil and groundwater.
Learn more about Soil Pollution with this other post from Green Ecologist.
Air pollution in Guatemala
In Guatemala there is a strong contamination by total suspended particles (PTS) and particulate matter (PM10). The main cause is use fossil fuels for automobiles and to generate heat and electricity. The behavior of pollutants is highly conditioned by the climate of the area.
It is important to know how pollution affects Guatemala. In this case, the quality of life of the population decreases, as well as the rest of the living beings of the place, with the appearance of respiratory deficiencies and pathologies.
To delve into the subject, we recommend reading these other articles on Why the air is polluted, Types of air pollution and Health problems due to air pollution.
Scarcity of water resources
In Guatemala, of the 22 departments that exist, 19 are susceptible to drought episodes. The lack of water It is a problem that is getting worse with climate change and that, currently, has been one more obstacle to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here we talk more about What is drought, its causes and consequences and also What is water scarcity, its causes and consequences.
Water erosion
The aggressiveness of the rains, increasingly due to the effects of climate change, and the presence of bare soil, as a consequence of changes in land use (eg: deforestation), increase water erosion. Some consequences of water erosion in Guatemala are:
- Greater soil degradation.
- Increase in the loss of effective cultivation area.
- Washing of nutrients from the soil.
- Deterioration of buildings and infrastructures.
Deterioration of marine resources
The introduction of invasive alien species in Guatemala, What lion fish (Pterois volitans) Y tiger shrimp (Panaeus monodon), can alter the distribution patterns of native species and their relationships. Thus, the biogeochemical cycles can be modified and, with them, the quality of the rest of the resources of the marine environment. Overfishing It is also a problem that affects the conservation of fish and crustaceans, mainly.
In addition, in Guatemala, part of the Mesoamerican Reef System (SAM) is located. The threats that degrade reefs They are: unsustainable fishing practices, agricultural and urban runoff that carries pollutants and residues, climate change, tourism (increased waste) and deforestation.
Illegal extraction and trade in wild flora and fauna
The species commercialization It is one of the greats environmental problems in Guatemala related to the conservation of biodiversity. Its lack of management and control is related to the low value given by society to biodiversity, its goods and services.
Of the wild fauna, birds, mammals and reptiles are the groups of species most affected; while, in flora, wood, bat, firewood or charcoal are the main object of extraction and illicit trade.
We encourage you to discover the Flora and fauna of Guatemala with this other post and to know these tips on How to avoid illegal trafficking of species.
Loss of biodiversity in Guatemala
We finished this list of environmental problems in Guatemala talking about the loss of Guatemalan biodiversity.
According to Dinerstein et al. (1995) the biodiversity that Guatemala presents in the Petén region and in the cloud forests is unique. However, their sensitivity to anthropic activities, such as deforestation and agricultural practices, pose a threat to their conservation.
According to the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP), there are numerous species of animals threatened by illegal trafficking. Some are: the jaguar (Panthera onca), the tapir (Tapirus bairdii) or the white turtle (Dermatemys mawii).
Here you can discover 15 animals in danger of extinction in Guatemala and here you can learn more about the serious problem of the loss of biodiversity.
If you want to read more articles similar to Environmental problems in Guatemala, we recommend that you enter our Pollution category.
