In an era when more risks are becoming profound realities, HotSpots H2O helps make sense of a changing, often stressed global waterscape.
HotSpots H2O, July 18: Water Shortages in Iran Could Cause Future Conflict
HotSpots H2O, July 11: Conflict Over Electricity Threatens Gaza Water Supply
HotSpots H2O, July 6: EU Increases Humanitarian Aid to War-Torn DRC
HotSpots H2O, June 20: Shelling Cuts Off Water Supply of 400,000 Ukrainians
HotSpots H2O, June 6: Filipinos Are Without Water as Government Battles Islamic State
HotSpots H2O, May 30: Millions of Children in MENA Conflict Zones Lack Safe Water
HotSpots H2O, May 23: Conditions Deteriorating Rapidly in Drought-Stricken Somalia
HotSpots H2O, May 16: Yemen Declares State of Emergency Over Cholera Outbreak
HotSpots H2O, May 9: Attacks in Afghanistan Compromise Access to Clean Water
Water Depletion: A Pivotal Concern In Mexico’s 2024 Election
/in HotSpots H2O/by Zara GoundenBy Zara Gounden, Circle of Blue – February 7, 2024
Serious drought and poor water management in Mexico is forcing millions of people all over the country to ration or recycle water for drinking and bathing. Of the country’s 32 states, 30 are experiencing dire water shortages, leading to big street protests.
Though access to water is a constitutional right in Mexico, an estimated 57 percent of the population lack access to safe water sources. Water scarcity is now a pivotal issue in the presidential election, scheduled for June 2024.
Leading presidential candidates Claudia Sheinbaum and Xóchitl Gálvez recognize the gravity of the national water crisis, highlighting it in their campaigns. Sheinbaum, Morena party’s candidate, emphasizes her achievements in water infrastructure projects as Mexico City’s former mayor. Gálvez, part of the Broad Front coalition, has delved into the issue at Senate forums. As water scarcity fuels protests and affects cities like Torreón and San Luís Potosí, Mexico City, and others, the candidates’ proposed solutions have become crucial focal points.
The supply emergency is not solely a consequence of climate change and deforestation, say authorities, but also stems from inadequate urban planning and corruption, enabling companies to take advantage of unrestricted water usage.
Last year President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador encouraged companies to invest in Mexico’s southern regions, asserting that water availability is more limited in the heavily industrialized north. Water scarcity threatens several important economic opportunities for Mexico such as a $5 billion deal with Tesla.
Water insecurity is demonstrated by over-extended distribution infrastructure, such as the Cutzamala system, which transports water from the Cutzamala River to the Mexico City metropolitan area (MCMA) and the Valley of Toluca metropolitan area. The network of canals, tunnels, pipelines, and pumping stations were constructed in the late 1970s to 1994, and support millions of urban residents and thousands of businesses. However, due to water scarcity, the Cutzamala System water reserves have now fallen to the lowest point in 27 years.
Zara is a reporting intern at Circle of Blue. She is a Davis Scholar in her third year at New York University London, majoring in Global Liberal Studies with a concentration in Politics, Rights, and Development.
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Previous HotSpots H2O
- Water Depletion: A Pivotal Concern In Mexico’s 2024 ElectionFebruary 7, 2024 - 12:59 pm
- Hotspots H20: Israel Pledges to Resume Gaza Water DeliveriesOctober 17, 2023 - 4:48 pm
- Water Migrants: Reaching European ShoresSeptember 12, 2023 - 2:37 pm
- Water Migrants: Crisis in the Mediterranean Episode 2August 23, 2023 - 11:19 am
- Graphic Journalism: Vermont Floods Pose Threats To Drinking WaterJuly 21, 2023 - 9:18 am
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