Environmental Challenges in Spain and the Canary Islands
Environmental Challenges in Spain
The main environmental problems in Spain may be of geological, geomorphological, and atmospheric origin (droughts and floods). As for those of geological origin, we must mention earthquakes. Spain’s position at the boundary between the African and Eurasian plates means earthquakes are common, though most are of limited magnitude. The most affected areas are primarily the southeast peninsula and, to a lesser extent, the Pyrenees.
On the other hand, we cannot forget the Canary Islands’ volcanic eruptions, which, while not presenting an immediate risk, represent an underlying concern. Therefore, a number of prediction programs use surveillance systems that collect different data, especially regarding earthquakes. The last eruption was recorded in the Canary Islands volcano Teneguía, south of La Palma, in 1971. With respect to geomorphological issues, these refer to landslides and mudslides caused by torrential rain, floods, or earthquakes. These are more common in the Bay of Biscay and Mediterranean areas. Finally, there are atmospheric or climate-related issues, such as droughts, floods, and heat waves, cold spells, and marine storms.
Droughts usually occur in Mediterranean climates, and when they extend for many months or years, they can seriously affect crops and domestic consumption. They cause water restrictions that sometimes seek to alleviate the hydrological transfers. Floods are caused by torrential rains and are usually associated with the cold drop, falling in short periods and often occurring especially in autumn on Mediterranean coasts. This results in the flooding of rivers and streams, causing extensive damage. The Canaries have recent examples of this, such as the island of Palma de l Tasarte ravine in Gran Canaria. Human factors sometimes exacerbate these problems through deforestation, obstacles placed on runways, or the invasion of riverbeds and streams with crops or houses. Then there is climate change, which could translate into an increased frequency of droughts and floods.
Environmental Problems of the Canary Islands
The economic development model of the Canary Islands in recent decades (based on tourism and construction) has enabled progress but has also increased environmental problems. As for pollution, we must differentiate between air, water, and soil.
Air Pollution
Air pollution is caused by the emission of toxic gases from burning fossil fuels and industrial processes. In the Canaries, these emissions are produced by vehicles and power plants that produce energy. Traffic in the Canary Islands has a high density due to the massive use of private cars. Currently, there is a tram in Tenerife, and trains are being planned in Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Furthermore, we should significantly increase renewable energy production, for which there are excellent conditions. The Canary Islands, like Spain, are far from meeting the Kyoto commitments as their emissions have increased. This is due to significant population and economic growth in recent years. Areas with high air pollution are located in urban areas (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria-Telde, Santa Cruz de Tenerife-La Laguna).
Water Pollution
Water pollution is very important in the Canaries. The low and erratic rainfall and the excessive consumption of agriculture and tourism have led to overexploitation of aquifers. Its consequences are disappearing streams, entailing the disappearance of ecosystems associated with them (limes de Moya), and declining aquifer levels in areas near the coast, causing salinization of aquifers. To mitigate the problem, desalination and wastewater treatment have been enhanced.
Soil Erosion and Deforestation
Finally, as for the soil, we should mention especially erosion and desertification. To this must be added the aggregate extraction, the major infrastructure, and rural land use urban development projects. Erosion – a natural process – in the Canaries is intensified by the high slope of the terrain, deforestation (for logging or fire), and inappropriate farming practices. The result is extreme erosion and desertification. To avoid this, terraced crop land of mediocrity and perform tasks Repoblació n forest. Deforestation has historically been causing a pullback in the original vegetation. In parallel, there has been a progression of the bushes and the emergence of secondary vegetation. To cope with this process, there is a Canary Forest Plan to expand forest cover.