Maya Train Project Causes Massive Deforestation!

The Maya Train project, spanning five regions and over 1,500 kilometers, has resulted in significant deforestation as it nears completion.

The project has led to the deforestation of more than 11,000 hectares in the southeast of Mexico, releasing around 470,000 tons of carbon into the atmosphere. This data comes from the Scientific Research Center of Yucatan (CICY), an affiliate of Conahcyt. Researchers have noted that Section 5, between Cancun and Tulum, has released the most carbon per hectare. Meanwhile, Section 7, from Bacalar to Escárcega, has had a substantial impact, particularly on the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve.

The study further explains that the amount of carbon released depends on the type of vegetation affected. The medium semi-deciduous forest, which makes up nearly half of the deforested area, contains a higher density of carbon due to its greater height. This means that the felling of trees between 15 and 25 meters tall in the Yucatan Peninsula has been the most prevalent during the construction of the Maya Train.

In total, the carbon emissions resulting from the deforestation of the jungle are estimated to be just over 470,000 tons. While the CICY study is one of the most recent and has the smallest margin of error, researchers believe a more comprehensive report is needed. This report should take into account areas deforested for the construction of warehouses, equipment, and other infrastructure used in the train's construction. Additionally, the impact of population settlements in areas surrounding the Maya Train's construction must also be considered.