Environmental Challenges in the Canary Islands and Solutions
Environmental Problems in the Canary Islands and Their Solutions
Environmental problems in the Canary Islands are greater than can be solved only through environmental policies.
Main Problems:
Air Pollution
Air pollution is generated by fossil fuels used in transportation and the production of electrical energy. In the Canary Islands, the issue is intensified by the high density of vehicles and the reduced space. To solve this, it is necessary to move vehicles and reduce pollution by promoting public transportation. For electrical energy, it is necessary to increase the use of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.
Soil Erosion
Soil erosion is accelerated by severe deforestation. It is estimated that 40% of necklaces are affected. To prevent soil erosion, cultivation and reforestation efforts are being carried out on the land.
Deforestation
There has been a notable decline in the original vegetation formations in the forests. The following phenomena have occurred: the advancement of scrubland on the coast, and the emergence of secondary formations. On the lower level, grazing and the installation of crops have led to a reduction in *cardonals* and *tabaibales*. Additionally, there has been significant degradation of psammophilous and halophilic species due to the development of tourist areas.
As a result of the transition, large forests have been destroyed due to the increased number of population centers and their crops. The *fayal* and laurel forests have been greatly affected due to the use of their timber for charcoal, construction, and as support rods for crops. Currently, most of these applications have disappeared. Now, the main danger is fire. The pine forests have been subject to intense deforestation due to their wood. To address deforestation, the forestry plan provides for the extension of the Canary Islands’ forest cover, fire prevention, and the promotion of forestry research.
Water Resources
Both groundwater and surface waters are affected by various problems. The scarcity of rainfall, together with the increase in irrigation and tourism, has given rise to overexploitation problems in many areas, a decrease in the water table, and the disappearance of streams. To mitigate the problem, the reuse of wastewater for irrigation is being encouraged. Water quality in aquifers is affected by marine intrusion due to post-volcanic conditions, rainfall infiltration loaded with salts, and anthropogenic pollution. The problem can be solved by integrating a network that monitors the level and quantity of groundwater.
Coastal Zone Degradation
Coastal zone degradation is rooted in tourism and its associated problems. It requires the regeneration of degraded spaces and the creation and improvement of infrastructure that allows for tourist and social use while respecting environmental sustainability and development.
Deterioration of the Urban Environment
The cause of the deterioration of the urban environment is excessive pressure on a small archipelago, combined with the demand for land. This affects the capital islands, where a significant part of the population is concentrated. This growth is generating serious traffic congestion problems. Other serious problems include solid urban waste, the lack of space for landfills, and the profitability of recycling. To solve these problems, we must reduce the volume of waste, promote recycling through specific containers, and create clean collection points.
Wastewater Treatment
Inadequate wastewater treatment requires a system of treatment plants and reuse for irrigation. All these actions must be accompanied by growing environmental prevention through the study of the environmental impact of various economic activities and public participation in environmental matters.