Opportunities for Environmentally Healthy, Inclusive, and Resilient Growth in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula

Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula is well known for its unique natural and cultural wealth. However, with poverty far from eliminated, and economic development opportunities beckoning in agriculture, manufacturing, and hydrocarbon development, the region faces growing risks from environmental hazards. Oil spills, hurricanes, coral bleaching, extreme flooding, and erosion have all been experienced over the past decade. Meanwhile, the state of environmental management in the peninsula has not kept up, both in terms of knowledge production and of regulation.

 

Based on preliminary identification of environmental priorities, this report explores selected topics that aim to inform decision-making in the region. A general context of integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) is used to explore issues, constraints, and potential solutions. The role of geomorphology is examined with a view to identifying how shore management plans can contribute to improved coastal management.

 

The report also demonstrates how rigorous economic tools can provide insights into the economic impacts of extreme climate events and of economic losses from environmental degradation. Environmental health risks in the peninsula are severe and include household air pollution in homes that still rely on wood for cooking; lead exposure; inadequate water supply, sanitation, and hygiene; and ambient air pollution in urban areas. Collectively, these risks result in more than 1,000 premature deaths every year and in more than 9 million days lost to illness on the peninsula. These risks also result in economic costs, including medical expenses, forgone wages, and loss of productivity. Added together, these are equivalent to 2.2 to 3.3 percent of the peninsula’s gross income. Scenarios relating to the economic cost of extreme weather events generate similar levels of damages: 1.4 to 1.5 percent of GDP in 2020 and 1.6 to 2.3 percent of GDP in 2050.

 

The report concludes with options for consideration in the years ahead in relation to pilot projects and interventions, technical assistance, institutional strengthening, and monitoring, evaluation, research, and development.