♫ listening to Albatross by Fleetwood Mac
In 2019, we saw the largest seaweed bloom in recorded history. The Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt extended over 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles) and was made up of over 20 million tonnes of biomass. Scientists believe nutrients from agricultural fertilizers and wastewater from urban areas are to blame, acting as food for the algae to grow. While this is a result of global irresponsibility, Tulum is heavily contributing to this phenomenon by pumping their sewage directly into the ground. Declining numbers in tourism show that the Yucatan is certainly feeling the consequences – reminding us all that Mother Nature strongly believes in karma (and cost control).
THE GOOD NEWS Any great entrepreneur knows that a problem is merely an opportunity in disguise. Seaweed can be a great source of nutrients for skin care or raw material for bioplastics or construction. Take Omar Vasquez Sanchez, for example, who has even begun to build houses out of it.
Digital Art: Rachel Atlas
Original Photo: Noel Broda