From rainforests to deserts, Mexico boasts a wealth of species. Explore its biodiversity and the challenges of conservation with Mexicanist.
Originals
Parched land forces family to use ancestral knowledge to extract life-giving, sweet-salty water from specially-salted young coconuts. This “elf in a shell” becomes a symbol of hope and resilience in a harsh, dust-choked world.
Biodiversity
Mexico's Parliament creates Climate Observatory to monitor gov't action on climate change. Independent experts will be chosen by lawmakers to ensure ambitious goals are met and Mexico upholds its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Business
UN climate talks acknowledge fossil fuels must end, but nations plan massive production increase despite warnings. This “beginning of the end” feels more like a half-lit path to disaster. We need a global shift to clean energy or risk locking in a future devoid of fireflies and a stable climate.
Mexico City
Mexico City faces a water crisis due to environmental neglect and population growth. Water systems are failing, and historic droughts threaten “Day Zero” with empty taps. Experts urge a shift from viewing water as a resource to respecting the natural water cycle.
Science
Scientists unlock secrets of Sonoran plants thriving in extreme heat. Using pressure chambers, they measure water potential to understand how plants conserve moisture. This research could be key to mitigating climate change by predicting future ecosystem behavior in arid regions.
Biodiversity
Mexico faces a water crisis fueled by bad policy and climate change. Experts urge a multi-pronged approach: greywater recycling, citizen participation and data-driven solutions to create a sustainable future where water flows freely.
Biodiversity
Cocoa thrives in shaded, biodiverse plantations, echoing ancient wisdom. Sun-sheltering trees and dappled light create perfect growing conditions for these “aromatic coins” with a complex flavor. This sustainable method protects the environment and delivers the best chocolate.
Science
Mexico's dams are drying up, rain is scarce, and scorching temperatures are the new normal. Scientists warn of a looming water crisis with severe consequences for agriculture, industry, and everyday life.
Originals
Cedar, fragrant giant, unveils perfume at dusk. Strong wood resists pests, yet luxury in warehouses. Artist's touch transforms strength into art. Its essence whispers in the city breeze, a silent song in every crafted form.
Biodiversity
Mexico's forests hold immense biodiversity but suffer from neglect and illegal logging. Dr. Piñero Dalmau urges for science-backed policy that allows communities to sustainably benefit from forests, ensuring their health for future generations.
Biodiversity
Mexico faces a dire water crisis. Dwindling rainfall, rising temperatures, and strained infrastructure threaten the future. Experts call for urgent action, including investment in technology, ecosystem restoration, and a cultural shift in how water is valued and used.
Biodiversity
Comfrey has colorful blooms and draws in pollinators. This resilient plant is a gardener's ally, creating rich fertilizer from deep-soil nutrients. Historically used as a healing poultice, comfrey's uses are both practical and steeped in folklore.
Biodiversity
The ceiba tree is more than wood and leaves. It's a pillar of the jungle, where air is cleansed, dreams are spun from cotton-seeds, and its spirit echoes in the beat of river drums.
Cuisine
Turnips and rutabagas are often overlooked root vegetables. While the turnip boasts a subtle sweetness, the rutabaga, likely a turnip-cabbage hybrid, is larger and even sweeter. Despite its awkward appearance, the rutabaga shines in its own way.
Biodiversity
The plantain is a unique fruit, transforming from a starchy staple to a sweet treat. It nourishes with its flesh and protects with its leaves. From its birth to its harvest, the plantain embodies strength and versatility, leaving a lasting cultural mark as a symbol of resilience and utility.
Biodiversity
El Niño disrupts the Gulf of California's delicate ecosystem. Scientists aboard the “El Puma” reveal warming waters, decreased nutrients, and the potential impacts on fisheries and climate patterns.