Introduction
In the scene of crucial decisions for the development and environment, the project of the NAIM (Nuevo Aeropuerto Internacional de México in Spanish) in Texcoco arises as a highly controversial topic that not only triggers debates in the political arena, but cause intense reflections of the environmental impact, specifically in biodiversity and sustainability.
An Impact for Environment: Arguments Against the Loss of Ecosystems
The location proposal of the NAIM that involved the destruction of wide wetland areas in Texcoco developed intense critics. This may result in the loss of natural habitats as the reduction of biodiversity, affecting to long term the fauna and flora of the region.
Water Supply Issues
The concerns about the massive extraction of underground water during the airport construction brought preoccupations and this could affect negatively the water availability for local and agricultural communities, representing a significant impact for long term sustainability.
Risk of Sinking
The clay soil of Texcoco generated concerns about the ground sinking due the construction and operation of the airport. This risk may have serious consequences for the surrounding infrastructure and safety of population.
Arguments in Support of NAIM
Economic Development
The defenders of the NAIM stood out the possible economic benefits for the region as the job creation and investment attraction. They supported the idea that the airport would be a motor for economic development and an opportunity to strengthen Mexico’s position at international level.
Relieving AICM (Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México in Spanish)
The need of relieve the AICM operating close to its maximum capacity, was a pro for the NAIM. The building of a new terminal could relieve the pressure on the AICM and improve the air traffic efficiency.
Conclusion
Finally, the environmental impact assessment depends on the perspective. Even though the legitimate concerns about the ecosystem loss and over exploitation of resources, the defenders highlighted the possible economic benefits and the need to enhance the airport infrastructure. The cancellation of the NAIM in 2018 proved the complexity to balance the economic development with environmental preservation, standing out the importance to address these challenges in an integral way in future projects.
