Spain’s Environmental Challenges: Hazards, Pollution, and Conservation
Environmental Challenges in Spain
Spain faces a combination of natural and human-induced environmental problems. Natural processes pose significant risks, including geological hazards. Human activities contribute to diverse issues, such as desertification, erosion, environmental pollution, and waste generation, all linked to the current model of human development.
Geohazards and Morphological Risks
These hazards arise from tectonic activity:
- Earthquakes: The southern peninsula lies in a contact zone between the African and European tectonic plates, resulting in high seismic activity.
- Volcanism: Active volcanism is present in the Canary Islands, with several historical eruptions.
- Unstable Slopes: Slopes can lose stability due to gravity and water action.
Atmospheric Hazards
These risks occur during extreme weather events:
- Droughts: Water supply restrictions may occur in cities.
- Floods: River overflows are a frequent natural hazard.
- Other problems include hailstorms and landslides.
Desertification in Spain
Desertification results from excessive human pressure on fragile, arid areas. Soil erosion significantly impacts desertification processes. A major cause is vegetation degradation linked to human activities. Forest fires accelerate desertification, causing substantial ecosystem damage, economic losses, and endangering lives.
Pollution
Air Pollution
Air pollution is generated by the emission of harmful gases (sulfur, carbon, nitrogen, etc.) into the atmosphere. These gases affect the ozone layer and contribute to global warming. Most harmful gases originate from energy production systems.
Water Pollution
Water pollution occurs when the water cycle includes inorganic and organic elements detrimental to life. Urban and industrial discharges impair water quality. Water quality has improved due to consolidation plans and purification efforts.
Soil Contamination
Soil can be contaminated by the dumping of chemicals, discarded domestic waste, and mining or livestock waste.
Categories of Protection
These categories have a global scope:
- Regional Parks: Vast areas with unique characteristics, minimally impacted by human activity.
- Biosphere Reserves: Established by UNESCO to create a global network of ecosystems demonstrating a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
- Wetlands of International Importance: Protected through an international convention as waterfowl habitats and resting areas for migratory birds.
Classification of Protected States
This classification considers the characteristics and values to be protected, along with human activities compatible with each space:
- Parks: Areas with natural and cultural values.
- Nature Reserves: Created to protect ecosystems.
- Marine Protected Areas: Facilitate the protection of ecosystems and biological elements.
- Natural Monuments: Small areas or unique natural features requiring special protection.
- Protected Landscapes: Integrate specific human activity and the cultural dimension.
The protected area of Spain has increased recently, although conflicts between economic development and natural conservation remain.