2024-11-25 05:30:00
A Colombian police officer sprays glyphosate on coca fields, in Tumaco, in 2020. JUAN BARRETO / AFP
News of the week
New live. There are still places left for the first “Human Chaleur” Ideas Festival on Saturday, December 14 in Paris (or by video). You will be able to hear a series of ideas for things to do to be (finally) on the right trajectory, and also to have a time that we hope is collective, joyful and full of hope – in this not-so-fun period. You can click here to find out more and take your places – in Paris or by video.
New column. How can we prepare our schools for the heatwave? Cécile Cazenave, producer of “Chaleur humaine”, returns, in this column, to the parents who lobbied for school buildings to better adapt to global warming. You can find it here.
Question of the week
“Hello Nabil, do we know the ecological impact of drugs? Both the so-called “soft” ones and the synthetic “hard” ones? Deforestation, water consumption, chemical pollution, transport… There would be a lot to say, right? » Question asked by Brian at chaud [email protected]
My response: The ecological impact of drugs is significant, but difficult to assess precisely. Illegal drug cultivation causes localized pollution and degrades biodiversity. At the global level, the impact is much less massive than other sectors, but remains significant due to deforestation, particularly in Latin America.
(Most of the information in this response comes from the very comprehensive 2022 report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which you can find here.)
1. Why does drug manufacturing pollute?
Drug production and consumption first impacts agricultural production, which requires numerous pesticides and chemical fertilizers. This impact is difficult to quantify with precision: firstly, because we only have fragmentary information, but also because the diversity of impacts must be taken into account. Deforestation caused by coca cultivation in Mexico, for example, has a strong impact on biodiversity (you will find an example in this documentary on the life of Homero Gomez, defender of monarch butterflies). Another example: in the Rif region of Morocco, intensive cannabis cultivation has made this region the largest consumer of fertilizers and pesticides in the country’s entire agricultural sector – while the ecosystem of the region is already fragile, in particular because of the lack of water.
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#ecological #impact #drugs
What are the potential health impacts associated with glyphosate use in coca crop management in Colombia, as discussed by Daniel Mejia in the interview?
**Interview with Daniel Mejia, Director of the Drug and Security Research Center in Bogotá**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Daniel. There’s been a significant shift in Colombia’s approach to coca crop management, especially concerning the use of glyphosate for eradication. Can you explain why the Colombian government has decided to end glyphosate crop-dusting?
**Daniel Mejia:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The decision to halt the use of glyphosate in coca eradication stems largely from growing health concerns and environmental impacts associated with the herbicide. The public is increasingly aware of the potential risks that glyphosate poses not only to those directly involved in coca farming but also to the wider community. There have been extensive debates about its safety, reflecting global concerns about similar chemical applications in agriculture [[1](https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2015/05/15/406988063/colombia-will-end-coca-crop-dusting-citing-health-concerns)].
**Interviewer:** That’s an important point. How has public opinion influenced this decision, particularly in regions heavily affected by these crop-dusting operations?
**Daniel Mejia:** Public opinion has played a crucial role. Many communities have voiced legitimate health concerns related to glyphosate exposure, especially in rural areas where these practices are common. Increased advocacy from local health organizations and environmental groups has prompted the government to reconsider its reliance on chemical eradication methods. It’s a dynamic situation where community health and environmental integrity are becoming paramount in policy decisions [[1](https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2015/05/15/406988063/colombia-will-end-coca-crop-dusting-citing-health-concerns)].
**Interviewer:** What alternatives do you see the government pursuing now that glyphosate spraying has been canceled?
**Daniel Mejia:** The government is being encouraged to explore integrated approaches that include manual eradication and crop substitution initiatives. These alternatives not only aim to reduce the coca footprint but also support farmers in transitioning to legal agricultural products. This aligns with international best practices, focusing on community development rather than punitive measures [[1](https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2015/05/15/406988063/colombia-will-end-coca-crop-dusting-citing-health-concerns)].
**Interviewer:** That sounds promising. But, considering the historical context, do you think these alternatives will be effective in reducing coca cultivation without causing economic hardship for those dependent on coca farming?
**Daniel Mejia:** It’s a delicate balance, for sure. While the aim is to reduce coca cultivation, it’s crucial that farmers are supported through this transition. Economic stability for these communities is essential; otherwise, there may be a pushback against these policies. Comprehensive support packages that include financial assistance, agricultural training, and market access for alternative crops will be imperative for success [[1](https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2015/05/15/406988063/colombia-will-end-coca-crop-dusting-citing-health-concerns)].
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Daniel. It will be interesting to see how these changes unfold in Colombia.
**Daniel Mejia:** Thank you for having me. The future holds both challenges and opportunities, and I believe with the right approach, progress can be made.