Sumidero Canyon (Cañón del Sumidero) is a majestic natural canyon located in Chiapas, Mexico, just north of Chiapa de Corzo. Formed by the erosion of the Grijalva River over 35 million years, it features towering vertical cliffs up to 1,000 meters high. The canyon lies within the protected Sumidero Canyon National Park, a region covered in deciduous rainforest and known as one of Mexico’s most beautiful and mysterious natural areas.
The park includes five waterfalls, 30 rapids, three beaches, and three freshwater springs, serving as a habitat for several endangered species like the American crocodile and Central American river turtle. The canyon walls are dotted with caves, striking rock formations, and other notable landforms, making it a perfect destination to experience the wonders of nature.
Due to its varied topography, multiple microclimates exist:
Climate types: hot and dry, hot and humid, semi-arid.
Rainfall: around 1,000 mm annually; rainy season runs from May to October, and the dry season from November to April.
Temperature: average yearly temperature is about 26°C, with hot summers and mild winters.
The Worst Wildfire in South Korean History
In March 2025, a wildfire that started in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province, rapidly spread due to strong winds and extremely dry weather, becoming the largest wildfire in South Korea's history. The fire resulted in at least 27 deaths, forced the evacuation of 37,000 people, and destroyed more than 36,000 hectares of forest. The Korea Meteorological Administration analyzed that the risk of wildfires has increased due to a significant decrease in average rainfall and rising temperatures in recent years.
Cabbage Farming Crisis and the Impact on the Kimchi Industry
Due to climate change, summer temperatures are rising and rainfall has become more irregular, making cabbage cultivation increasingly difficult. Cabbage grows best in cool climates between 18–21°C, but with more frequent summer temperatures exceeding 25°C, the quality and yield of cabbage have been declining. As a result, kimchi production is being disrupted. Although some farmers are trying to adapt by using climate-controlled storage facilities or developing heat-resistant cabbage varieties, concerns remain about increased costs and potential changes in taste.
<Climate Change Response>
- Paris Agreement Implementation: Mexico has set Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and is increasing the share of renewable energy.
- Energy Transition: The country is reducing its dependence on oil and promoting the development of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
- General Climate Change Law (LGCC): In 2012, Mexico enacted the Ley General de Cambio Climático (General Law on Climate Change), which serves as a foundation for its climate policies.
<Forest and Biodiversity Conservation>
- To prevent deforestation, about 13% of the national territory has been designated as protected natural areas.
- Mexico is also operating an international cooperation program called REDD+ to expand protected areas and manage biodiversity.
<Air and Water Pollution Control>
- To improve urban air quality, vehicle emission regulations have been strengthened, and a region-specific air quality improvement program called PROAIRE is being implemented.
- Water pollution is being addressed by applying stricter industrial wastewater treatment standards.
<Environmental Education and Public Participation>
- Community-based sustainability programs such as litter collection and urban gardening are being run to raise public awareness of environmental protection.
- Environmental projects involving local communities are actively supported.
Hello, my name is Jeongmin Seo. I am a student at Incheon Sky High School in Incheon, South Korea, and I live in a dormitory. I don’t have a specific dream yet, but I am interested in studying electronic engineering or semiconductor-related fields at university and pursuing a career in those areas. I am interested in countries like the United States, China, and Taiwan, where semiconductor technology is highly developed. However, I am most fascinated by Mexico. I know that Mexico has a rich natural environment, and I am curious about the diverse landscapes there. I am also interested in the different climates and cultures that vary across regions in Mexico.
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