How Trump's border wall would disrupt nature

Summary

This video explores the environmental impacts of the US-Mexico border wall, highlighting the challenges it poses to biodiversity and endangered species. While designed to separate people, the wall also disrupts animal migration, especially in areas like the Rio Grande Valley, where it creates barriers for animals like the ocelot. The video delves into how the wall threatens genetic diversity, exacerbates inbreeding, and isolates populations. It also discusses the consequences of waiving environmental laws to expedite construction. The piece raises important questions about the relationship between human-made borders and the natural world.

Takeaways

• 😀 The US-Mexico border wall prototypes were commissioned by Customs and Border Patrol and displayed near San Diego.
• 😀 Some prototypes feature rounded tops to prevent ropes from being hooked, while others have gaps for surveillance.
• 😀 The border wall's design aims to keep people out, but it also impacts the natural environment and biodiversity in the region.
• 😀 The US-Mexico border is home to diverse species, including endangered ones that move across the border, which may be affected by the wall.
• 😀 Around 650 miles of the US-Mexico border currently have a physical barrier, while the remaining 1,300 miles are unfenced.
• 😀 Building the border wall threatens wildlife diversity, particularly in regions rich in amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.
• 😀 Some sections of the existing border wall have already harmed rare and endangered species.
• 😀 In the Rio Grande Valley, where 33 miles of new barriers are planned, the wall would disrupt protected lands and animal movement.
• 😀 Flooding along the Rio Grande threatens to trap animals if the wall blocks their migration routes, causing potential harm.
• 😀 Barriers like the wall can reduce genetic diversity in species, raising the risk of inbreeding and extinction, as seen with the ocelot.
• 😀 Some proposed design features, such as small openings or gaps, fail to account for animal behavior and are unlikely to help wildlife cross.
• 😀 Research shows that after border fences were built, human presence increased, but animal presence dropped significantly.
• 😀 The Department of Homeland Security has the authority to waive environmental laws, allowing border wall construction without restrictions, which poses a risk to nature.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the prototypes for the border wall displayed near San Diego?

The prototypes for the border wall were commissioned by Customs and Border Patrol to design a structure that can effectively keep people out, with features such as rounded tops to prevent ropes from being hooked and gaps to allow guards to see the other side.

What are some of the key features of the border wall prototypes?

The border wall prototypes include features like rounded tops to prevent hooking, gaps for better visibility, and varying materials such as concrete and steel. These features aim to strengthen border security while differing in design.

How does the design of the border wall impact biodiversity along the US-Mexico border?

The design of the border wall threatens biodiversity by creating barriers to wildlife movement, potentially harming endangered species and disrupting natural habitats, especially in areas like the Rio Grande Valley, which are rich in amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.

How much of the US-Mexico border is already fenced, and how much remains unfenced?

The US-Mexico border has approximately 650 miles of physical barrier, while 1,300 miles remain unfenced.

What environmental risks are associated with building a wall along the Rio Grande?

Building a wall along the Rio Grande could create 'No Man’s Lands' by cutting through protected areas, trapping animals during floods, and restricting their movement. The impermeable wall could trap wildlife during rising water levels, leading to survival issues.

How does the construction of a border wall affect animal migration?

The construction of a border wall disrupts animal migration by separating populations, decreasing genetic diversity, and increasing the risk of inbreeding, particularly in endangered species like the ocelot.

What impact has the existing border wall had on the endangered ocelot populations?

The existing border wall has already contributed to the decline in ocelot populations by reducing their genetic diversity and making it more difficult for them to connect with other populations across the border.

Why might small crossings or gaps in the wall not be effective for animals like the ocelot?

Small crossings or gaps may not be effective because they do not take animal behavior into account. The surrounding areas are often cleared of vegetation, and the presence of bright lights and human activity may deter animals from using these openings.

What did the 2014 research along the Arizona border reveal about the impact of border fences on animals?

The 2014 research found that the presence of border fences led to a significant decrease in animal presence, while human presence increased. Animals were particularly deterred from areas with fences, highlighting the negative effects on wildlife movement.

How does the Department of Homeland Security's authority affect environmental regulations for border wall projects?

The Department of Homeland Security has the authority to waive environmental laws for border wall projects, allowing construction without restrictions, which can have serious consequences for the natural environment and wildlife in the area.