avocado

Top Tweets
Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.
An NOAA truck with a weather satellite on the back.
Courtroom with a jury box and judge's bench.
Wind turbines in grass field during golden hour.
Newsletter
Mexican farmers protest against water-intensive avocado farming

Mexican farmers protest against water-intensive avocado farming

As a severe drought persists, local farmers in Michoacán, Mexico, are clashing with avocado orchards over the drastic depletion of their water sources.

Armando Solís reports for The Associated Press.

In short:

  • Farmers are dismantling illegal water systems in avocado orchards to combat local water shortages in Villa Madero, a small hamlet in Michoacán, México.
  • Last year, México received half the amount of rainfall it usually gets, making water a sought-after resource.
  • The conflict is heightened by the involvement of drug cartels in the avocado trade, posing significant dangers to activists.
  • Authorities are slowly responding as community members take drastic measures to reclaim water resources.

Key quote:

"In the last 10 years, the streams, the springs, the rivers have been drying up and the water has been captured, mainly to be used for avocados and berries. There are hamlets in the lower part of the township that no longer have water."

— Julio Santoyo, local activist.

Why this matters:

The situation in Michoacán illustrates a critical intersection of environmental degradation, local livelihoods, and corporate and criminal interests.

Extreme weather and temperature swings are estimated to cut major crop production by 23% over the next 30 years, scientists warn.

Keep reading...Show less
Your favorite foods are at risk from a rapidly warming planet
www.nationalgeographic.com

Your favorite foods are at risk from a rapidly warming planet

Avocados, coffee, and more could be subject to change—from how they’re grown to when we eat them.
Avocados banned from trendy cafes over environmental concerns
www.independent.co.uk

Avocados banned from trendy cafes over environmental concerns

'The western world's obsession with avocado has been placing unprecedented demand on avocado farmers.'

What’ll we eat in 2050? California farmers are placing bets
grist.org

What’ll we eat in 2050? California farmers are placing bets

Climate change will have huge impacts on tree crops like lemons and avocados.
More victims of the California wildfires: Avocados and lemons
www.nytimes.com

More victims of the California wildfires: Avocados and lemons

The largest of the fires has damaged a portion of the harvest in the country’s most productive region for both crops.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE