Population, climate change, and natural resources in Honduras: a perspective from the theory of local development

Abstract

Currently, environmental problems such as the devastation of natural resources and abrupt climate changes have led to extraordinary meteorological phenomena and ecosystem changes. The most vulnerable countries to these situations are low- and medium-developed countries, such as Honduras, which lack effective sustainability processes in favor of nature, infrastructure, collective awareness, public policies, strong disciplinary sanctions, and, above all, economic resources to mitigate the impact of these changes.

It should be noted that in Honduras, the interconnection between absolute population growth and the demands generated has also become visible, mainly in the second half of the last century, as well as in the decades of this century. This has led to the acceleration of processes linked to climate change and, consequently, to the deterioration of biotic and abiotic natural resources.

The main objective of this article is to analyze the interconnection between population growth, climate change, and natural resources in Honduras, from a perspective framed by local development theory. The methodology used to prepare this article was a descriptive-analytical documentary methodology.

Among the main findings of the article is that Honduras has been experiencing increased pressure on natural resources in recent years, which can contribute to serious problems of resource depletion, contributing to ecosystem degradation and consequently climate change. Measures to promote sustainability are urgently needed.