Rachel Atlas
Dec 1, 2019
Updated: Dec 12, 2019
♫ listening to What’s Become of Baby by s t a r g a z e
In Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula there are no surface rivers or streams; however, just below the ground lies a vast system of the world’s largest underground river.
The entire peninsula is composed of mostly limestone – a very porous and permeable rock, which means anything you pour onto the surface of the ground will seep through into the subterranean river system. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Environmental Protection found that many hotels "dump sewage directly into mangroves or inject improperly treated wastewater into the water table," and since then, matters have only become worse. As a consequence, fecal contamination is extensive, and there have even been several reported disease outbreaks over the last few years.
Some might say this is Mother Nature’s way of fighting back – if we make her sick, we become sick with her.
Digital Art: Rachel Atlas