Women in Oaxaca revitalize ancient water preservation methods

Indigenous women in Oaxaca are adopting ancestral techniques to combat severe droughts and water scarcity.

Stephania Corpi Arnaud reports for BBC.

In short:

Agustina Ortiz and other women are using ferro-cement water tanks to collect and purify rainwater.
They grow drought-resistant crops, ensuring food security and creating income through surplus sales.
The nonprofit Grupedsac trains these women in sustainable water and land management practices.

Key quote:

"We need to empower these women, but we also need to understand that the word empowerment means different things in our societies."

— Joaquin Carrillo, director of Grupedsac's Oaxaca center

Why this matters:

Water scarcity is intensifying in Oaxaca, impacting agriculture and daily life. Teaching sustainable water management and empowering women enhances community resilience against climate change.

www.bbc.com

Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.

Women in Oaxaca revitalize ancient water preservation methods

Earth's worsening climate crisis demands immediate action

Wildlife populations drop sharply as habitat loss continues

Florida’s homelessness crackdown complicates hurricane recovery

Insurance costs squeeze commercial real estate as climate risks rise

Contamination from flooded industrial sites during major hurricanes is a growing concern

Midwest eyed as safer business spot amid rising climate risks

Western states could see significant carbon cuts with new energy transmission projects

Houston area has more than 100 unauthorized air pollution events already this year

An EHN analysis finds nearly half were related to flaring.

LISTEN: Mokshda Kaul on making the clean energy transition work for all

“Coalitions become this interesting way to create buy-in.”

Op-ed: Is plastic the biggest climate threat?

A plastics treaty for the climate and health must address overproduction of plastics and head off the petrochemical and plastic industry’s planned expansion.

Residents say Pennsylvania has failed communities after state studies linked fracking to child cancer

Last year Pennsylvania Department of Health studies showed increased risk of childhood cancer, asthma and low birth weights for people living near fracking. Advocates say not enough has been done since.

The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report

“Women, in all of their diversity, must be at the center of climate and energy decision-making.”

Op-ed: People need shelter from climate change — their health hangs in the balance

The discourse on climate resilience must include affordable housing policy solutions.