Colombia’s Flooded Economy
Colombia's officials say this year marks the worst natural tragedy in their country's history with record rainfall flooding wetlands and isolating small cities.
Colombia's officials say this year marks the worst natural tragedy in their country's history with record rainfall flooding wetlands and isolating small cities.
Colombia is going through one of the most severe rainy seasons in decades. In 12 months of downpours, more than 2.47 million acres of productive land have been flooded.
A new report by mining giant Greystar reveals plans for a high-altitude mine which would threaten the páramos ecosystem, a water supply for millions of Colombians.
Colombia's páramos, a unique highland ecosystem, has been described as the "water factory" of the Andes. But rampant, and sometimes illegal, coal mining is putting it in danger.
The páramos, a unique highland ecosystem, has been described as the “water factory” of the Andes. But rampant, and sometimes illegal, coal mining is putting it in danger.
The Colombian miners killed in an explosion last week are a stark reminder that mining-related deaths occur frequently in the country, where institutions are not equipped to enforce safety measures.
Environmentalists are concerned about Colombia's booming mining sector, which is putting the country's strategic assets - like water - at risk. Mining also poses unprecedented health risks to workers and local populations.
Anna-Katarina Gravgaard's article, "The Water is Disappearing in Amazonas," appeared in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten. In it, she reports that the water levels in the Amazon river were at their lowest ever measured this year.
Efforts to protect Colombia's páramos, a fragile ecosystem and water source for the capital city of Bogotá, compete with development initiatives for political attention.
A severe drought believed to be triggered by Atlantic warming currents threatens Colombian lives and livelihoods.
Colombia is at an ecological cross road. The wrong choices can forever damage a fragile ecological system, which most Colombians depend on for their drinking water.
Mining and agricultural expansion endanger the ecosystem of Colombia's paramos moorlands.