Environmental Issues in Spain: Pollution, Desertification, and Fires
Environmental Issues in Spain
Air Pollution
Air pollution is generated by the emission into the atmosphere of harmful gases consisting of carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, fluorine, and oxygen, together with aerosols and particles suspended in varied compositions. Some of these gases affect the ozone layer and produce greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming. In Spain, most of these noxious gases come from energy production systems and industrial activities. Also, a significant amount of contamination is caused by emissions from cars and heating systems. Spain is far from meeting its commitments under the Kyoto Protocol regarding the reduction of greenhouse gases.
Water Contamination
Water contamination occurs when inorganic and organic elements harmful to life enter the water cycle. In Spain, the main actions that impair water quality include industrial and municipal discharges, as well as the filtration of fertilizers and pesticides from intensive agriculture. Surface water quality has improved in recent years due to consolidation and purification plans. Marine waters have high quality in many coastal areas, but illegal dumping in busier coastal areas poses a serious problem.
Soil Contamination
Soil can be contaminated by the dumping of organic and inorganic chemicals, mining wastes, discharges, and domestic or livestock waste. In Spain, the most contaminated areas are located in abandoned mining environments, as well as in some areas of intensive agriculture.
Solid Waste Management
Solid waste generation is one of the worst features of the current economic development model in Spain. There has been a dramatic increase in urban waste, increasing by more than 80% since 1990. The average production currently stands at 1.4 kg/day per inhabitant. The figures on the average lifespan of waste, if they are not biodegradable, are alarming. Currently, in Spain, most of the solid waste is being separated and recycled.
Desertification in Spain
Causes and Effects of Desertification
The causes that affect desertification are numerous, and their combined effect on the same territory is amplified. Adverse effects from anthropogenic sources include deforestation, forest fires, soil degradation due to poor agricultural practices and overgrazing, and the artificial alteration of the soil caused by mining, major infrastructure projects, or residential developments. If these actions are combined with natural processes, the risk of desertification is even greater.
The effects of desertification are manifested in a combined way. Contamination of soil or water generates erosion, damage, and loss of soil resources, water, and biological processes in the affected area. Desertification currently affects more than one-third of the continental land surface. Some international agencies, in collaboration with the countries involved, are currently developing programs to combat desertification.
Desertification Risk in Spain
About 18% of the land in Spain is at high risk of desertification. This is the result of excessive human pressure on fragile regions. In Spain, soil erosion has a significant impact on the processes of desertification. A major cause is the degradation of natural vegetation. Also, in most cases, the trigger for erosion often has an anthropogenic origin. Spain has recently published the National Action Program to Combat Desertification, which seeks to identify factors contributing to this environmental problem and develop practical measures to combat it.
Forest Fires
The Impact of Forest Fires
Forest fires are one of the causes that accelerate the process of desertification. They cause extensive damage to ecosystems while generating significant economic losses and endangering lives. Since the 1970s, the number of fires and the burned area have been declining slightly over the period. Regarding the origin of the fire, it is anthropogenic in more than 60% of cases and of natural origin in less than 10%, with the rest of unknown origin. The fire risk is increased by periods of drought, neglect of rural areas, or the introduction of inappropriate species in forestry recruitment processes. It is necessary to invest not only in human extinguishing media and materials and monitoring systems and controls but also in prevention and awareness.