Are you one of those who enjoys eating tropical fruits? They are delicious, right? Mangoes, papayas, grapefruits ... and of course avocados, whose global consumption is increasing, which is interesting news but not entirely positive. The fact is that, with greater demand, farmers need more arable land and many times that means that the forests of a country are deforested, With all of that implies.
Mexico is the leading producer of avocado trees, whose harvest represents the 30% of global productionFurthermore, practically all of it is exported, especially to Japan, France, Canada and the United States. In Spain and Holland they also buy a lot; so much so that they are the two European countries that import the most from abroad.
If the trend does not change, consumption is estimated to increase by more than 10% in the coming years, so Mexico is trying to adapt to the growth in demand. How do they do it? As explained in a video published on NowThisNews, farmers are deforesting pine forests to plant avocados. This is a measure that inevitably has effects on the environment.
The descent of trees makes increase carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change even more. In addition, avocados consume much more water than pine forests, where by the way the queen butterfly takes refuge during the winter. If there are no pine forests, this butterfly could become extinct.
So, what to do? In my opinion, the ideal would be to find a balance. We cannot continue like this. When we go to buy, we not only buy, but we are also saying that we are interested in certain products; And if they are in high demand, they will be produced on a large scale so that no one is left without it. And that can have very serious consequences for the planet.
In this context, it is crucial to understand the environmental impact of avocado cultivation, a phenomenon that has spread not only in Latin America but also in Spain and elsewhere. The avocado has become one of those paradigmatic examples of how popular foods can have devastating consequences for the environment.
Water consumption in avocado production
El water is an essential resource for the cultivation of avocados. It is estimated that to produce a single kilogram of avocados, more than 1.000 liters of waterThis figure is considerable when compared to other crops, raising serious questions about the sustainability of its production in areas where water is scarce, such as many regions of Mexico and Spain.
In some areas of Mexico, avocados are grown in regions experiencing water stress, which has led to conflicts between farmers and local communities that depend on the same water resources. The pressure on water has led to the overexploitation of aquifers, affecting the local population who face shortages of drinking water.
Deforestation and loss of biodiversity
La deforestation associated with avocado cultivation in Mexico is alarming. Extensive avocado plantations have replaced vast areas of native forests, which not only affects the region's biodiversity but also contributes significantly to the climate change.
The indiscriminate felling of trees to make room for avocado crops has resulted in the loss of flora and fauna species, in addition to altering entire ecosystems. This has a direct impact on the Ecosystem services that forests provide, such as climate regulation and water conservation.
In this sense, it is important to consider how the loss of biomes It can affect the ecological balance and aggravate the environmental impact of avocado cultivation.
Use of pesticides and fertilizers
To maximize production and combat pests that threaten crops, many farmers resort to the intensive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizersThese products, although effective in increasing yields, have devastating effects on the health of the soil and nearby water sources.
Soil and water pollution from the use of these agrochemicals is a growing problem, affecting both natural ecosystems and the communities that depend on these lands and waters for their livelihoods.
Avocado's carbon footprint
La carbon footprint The environmental impact associated with avocado production and transportation is also considerable. Although the majority of the environmental impact is generated during cultivation, the transportation of avocados from Mexico to distant markets, such as Europe and the United States, additionally contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Maritime transport, although more carbon efficient than air transport, still generates significant emissions that exacerbate the global warming.
Sustainable alternatives to avocado consumption
Despite these challenges, there are sustainable alternatives available to reduce the environmental impact associated with avocado consumption. Below are some suggestions:
- Moderate consumption: Reduce the frequency of avocado consumption and choose other local fruits and vegetables that do not require as much water resources.
- Responsibly produced avocados: Choose avocados from certified, sustainable farming practices that respect the environment.
- Reduce waste: Make the most of every avocado by buying only what you need and avoiding food waste.
The avocado in the global context
Mexico, the world's largest avocado producer, faces enormous challenges due to growing global demand. The situation in the state of Michoacán, where 90% of Mexico's avocados are grown, is a clear example of how intensive agriculture can be seen as a double-edged sword.
While it has been a source of wealth for many farmers, it has also brought with it problems such as food insecurity and environmental pollutionFurthermore, farmers' dependence on international markets often means they are subject to unfair trading practices and uncontrollable price fluctuations.
The increase in avocado exports has led to the strain on resources local communities, as these crops compete for water and land with other agricultural activities and with the basic human needs of nearby communities. Thus, avocado farming poses a sustainability dilemma that urgently needs to be addressed.
The avocado industry faces criticism not only for its environmental impact, but also for humanitarian issues. The relationship between intensive avocado farming and organized crime has been documented, with groups profiting from the production and distribution of avocados under conditions that are often illegal and unethical.
The reports are amazing, that worries me in the extreme,