Longtime residents in Comporta, Portugal, worry that luxury developments will have a negative impact on the local community and environment.
Locals have expressed concern over "unchecked growth" in the area, according to eNCA. Developers have proposed plans for luxury residences that will attract wealthy clientele. Environmental activists warned that these construction projects would threaten the region's natural dunes, pine forests, cork trees, and rice fields.
Advocates also said that new resorts, with their golf courses and swimming pools, will consume a lot more water. This is worrisome because the region has recently experienced drought.
"Comporta, a true natural treasure, is being overrun by tourism," Catarina Rosa, a biologist with advocacy group Dunas Livres, told AFP.
Overdevelopment is a serious problem for wildlife and humans. Construction can displace animals by destroying their natural habitats. This pushes them into urban areas, creating a dangerous situation for both people and critters. Meanwhile, local residents can get priced out of their homes, which Comporta natives fear.
Comporta is also being turned into a "playground for the wealthy," eNCA reported. The richest people in the world create an outsized impact on the environment. One study found that top billionaires produce more heat-trapping carbon pollution in 90 minutes than most people do in their lifetimes. Instead of helping address this issue, many have chosen to fend for themselves by creating their own doomsday retreats.
Stay hydrated and refreshed this holiday season — without any sugar or harmful additives Nuun’s zero-sugar hydration tablets are a perfect, guilt-free way to enhance your water throughout the day. You’ll get five essential electrolytes for everyday hydration — with zero grams of sugar. Plus, Nuun tablets are certified vegan and gluten-free, and they’re the perfect size to keep in your car, purse, or anywhere you'll want a healthy, restorative drink. Learn more → |
Still, people face the consequences of this planet-warming behavior, such as unaffordable insurance premiums or increased flood risk. The poorest among us are the ones who feel climate change the most. They are also less likely to rebuild after extreme weather events driven by rising temperatures. It's important to educate ourselves about critical climate issues in order to help protect the most vulnerable in our communities.
Groups like Dunas Livres, or Free Dunes, are working to resist overdevelopment in Comporta. They hope to prevent further environmental damage and community displacement.
"Allowing these projects and exploitation models to irreversibly destroy the last great expanse of wild coastline in the country is to usurp the future of the next generations," the group's manifesto reads.
|
Should governments be investing money into new, futuristic cities? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Definitely 👍 
💰Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
Cool Picks
