In a concerning environmental crisis, Argentina's Gran Chaco region is facing massive and uncontrolled deforestation, primarily driven by agricultural and livestock expansion. Over the past 25 years, the province of Santiago del Estero has lost two million hectares of forest, with more than half of this destruction occurring illegally.
Lorenzo Langbehn from the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (Conicet) reports that deforestation continues at an alarming rate of 60,000 hectares per year. This loss of native forests, largely due to soybean cultivation and cattle ranching, significantly impacts soil productivity, water cycles, and the region's climate resilience.
Recent data indicates that the Gran Chaco region, which spans approximately one million square kilometers across Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil, is now under severe threat. The area, home to around 3,400 plant species and various wildlife, is being decimated by both logging activities and wildfires.
Greenpeace highlights that 75% of deforestation in Argentina is concentrated in the northern regions, where illegal logging persists despite laws aimed at protecting native forests. The situation is exacerbated by climate change, as the disappearance of forests releases substantial greenhouse gases, contributing further to global warming.
In a separate but related issue, Mexico is grappling with urban expansion that encroaches on its rich biodiversity. Rapid urbanization has led to the destruction of natural habitats, resulting in a significant decline in flora and fauna diversity. Species that once thrived in these areas are now struggling to adapt to urban environments filled with pollution and concrete.
Experts warn that the loss of native species and habitats in Mexico not only threatens local ecosystems but also underscores the urgent need for sustainable urban planning and environmental conservation efforts. As cities expand, the coexistence of human populations and wildlife becomes increasingly tenuous, highlighting the necessity for a balanced approach to development that prioritizes ecological health.