ECUADOR, ON TENTERHOOKS

The grim realities of climate change

An episode from the series EARTH ON EDGE

Synopsis

With its cone whitened by eternal snow, the Cotopaxi is one of the postcard landscapes in Ecuador.

Yet, volcanologists claim it is a threat. Indeed, an eruption would trigger a mudslide that would deprive the inhabitants of Quito of running water. It is not an isolated case in the country because over 25 active volcanos make up “volcanos boulevard”. Located on a seismic fault, Quito, is under the permanent threat of an earthquake.

But if these natural risks are unavoidable, some disasters could be prevented.