5 Top Environmental Problems in Ecuador You Should Know About

Ecuador is an incredibly beautiful country. Unfortunately, there are environmental problems in Ecuador that threaten it’s eco-system and its people. And they can’t be fixed until they’re known and acknowledged at large.

But Ecuador isn’t without hope. This amazing country can still be protected and preserved for generations to come. But that can’t be possible without knowing more about Ecuador’s unique nature, and the issues that plague it.

In this article, we’re covering what you should know about Ecuador. So, you can better understand the problems at hand, and how they can be addressed.

What to Know About Ecuador

Located on the northwestern coast of South America, Ecuador is home to the Galapagos Islands, making it one of the biodiverse countries in the world. It’s also home to roughly 17 million people, and close to 6,000 species of mammals and birds—despite being roughly the size of Colorado.

Because Ecuador sits on the equator, its weather is super temperate averaging around 66 degrees year-round. These weather conditions vary depending on the region you’re in. It also has over 500 miles of coastline, mountains and volcanoes, and vibrant culture and delicious cuisine.

Five Top Environmental Problems in Ecuador You Should Know About

Unfortunately, despite all of its incredible offerings, Ecuador is not without its problems. It’s currently experiencing several environmental problems that are putting the entire country at risk.

Wondering what these environmental problems are? Here are the five biggest environmental issues plaguing Ecuador at the moment.

Deforestation

One of the major issues in deforestation, the process in which vast areas of forest are destroyed. This often occurs due to unsustainable practices like agricultural and range clearing. It’s also being further exacerbated by an overreliance on wood products and a lack of new plant growth.

It’s reported that 61 percent of Ecuador’s Chocó region has been lost to deforestation. This equates to roughly 4.4 million acres of land.

Deforestation destroys the habitats of many animals and plant species, which can lead to their extinction. Additionally, it can allow for a greater amount of greenhouse gases to be released into the atmosphere, which harms the planet and all life on it. This makes deforestation an incredibly serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

Contamination

Ecuador’s struggle for energy balance is another major issue. Ecuador has struggled to strike a balance between growing the economy and protecting their country’s natural resources.

The country has relied heavily on oil, and the process of digging for oil has resulted in dangerous C02 emissions and toxic waste. The contamination that results from this can cause a variety of health issues, such as birth defects, miscarriages, and even cancer.

Water Pollution

Water pollution is an issue that greatly affects the coast of Ecuador. A lack of proper sanitation services and waste disposal has resulted in water contamination across the country. This has resulted in the death of several aquatic species such as the Galapagos marine iguanas, as well as sicknesses amongst the people living in those areas.

Endangered Species

One of the greatest draws of Ecuador is its rich array of species—many of which are endangered. And as Ecuador’s population continues to grow, this threat to Ecuadorian wildlife will only continue to grow. There is currently a wildlife protection system in place, but unless the country curbs its waste production and creates more eco-friendly tourism solutions, more and more species will become endangered, or worse, extinct.

Ready to Make a Change?

Hearing about all the problems in Ecuador can be disheartening. But you can’t make things better without understanding what’s not working. By understanding Ecuador’s current state and issues, you can know more about the problems and identify ways to address them.

Did you find this article helpful? In need of more information? Check out the rest of our website for additional facts and insights!

Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. Frankly and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@franklymedia.com