Environmental Challenges: Desertification and Pollution in Spain

Desertification and Pollution in Our Country

Desertification

Desertification is defined as the process of soil and vegetation loss due to human activity. Soil is one of our country's most important natural resources, so its degradation is a very serious concern. Furthermore, its genesis is very slow and requires a long time.

Land degradation is particularly severe in the Mediterranean area, given its environmental conditions such as aridity, irregular rainfall, and frequent droughts. To these natural factors, human activities must be added, including:

• Inappropriate land use
• Unsuitable cultivation methods

All these cases result in the loss of fertile soil.

The degradation of natural vegetation is a problem in itself and also contributes to soil degradation, thus accelerating the advance of desertification.

The absence of vegetation cover decreases the storage of moisture in the soil and increases surface runoff, especially in areas of steep slope. All these aspects influence and degrade the vegetation cover. To this, the impact of human activities must be added.

In recent decades, there has been an acceleration in the pace of land reclamation and deforestation. Major factors responsible for the degradation of our country's natural vegetation include:

• Efforts to increase land under cultivation
• Expansion for cattle grazing
• Real estate expansion in areas of significant tourism development

Losses due to wildfires are also significant. Spain is one of the countries most affected by this problem.

The fire risk is greater in the north and northwest of the country. Causes are very diverse, ranging from:

• Natural situations
• Property litigation
• Varied interests seeking a change in land use
• Negligence

To alleviate the problem of forest wealth loss, a reforestation policy has been undertaken in recent decades.

Pollution

Pollution is an increasingly important problem in our country, especially where there is greater population density and economic activity. Pollution can present in different forms.

Air Pollution

Air pollution is produced by the emission into the atmosphere of gases and suspended particulate matter from sources like automobiles and heating systems. These pollutants blend with the natural components of the atmosphere and are harmful to humans and the environment in general.

Areas with anticyclonic weather tend to trap air pollution.

The areas with higher air pollution are major cities. They cause a particular microclimate known as the Heat Island, characterized by increased temperature, cloudiness, and mists.

Industrial concentration areas are also significant, including highly polluting industries like oil refineries.

Pollution by Solid and Liquid Waste

The production of solid and liquid waste in large quantities is another serious problem.

According to the Waste Plan 2000-2006, some 17 million tons of municipal waste or garbage are generated in Spain every year.

Most of this waste is generated in the Mediterranean periphery. Andalusia alone generates 45% of the waste, followed by other regions.