Ecuador’s February 9 presidential election features Daniel Noboa and Luisa González, who prioritize security and economic recovery over environmental issues. Both candidates propose increased protections for ecosystems but continue promoting foreign investment in mining and oil, posing risks to natural resources. The election outcomes could significantly influence Ecuador’s environmental policies in the face of climate change.
Ecuador’s presidential elections on February 9 feature incumbent Daniel Noboa and challenger Luisa González, both of whom prioritize security and economic issues over environmental concerns like climate change, deforestation, and water scarcity. While each candidate promises to enhance protections for forests and Indigenous communities, they also plan to bolster foreign investment in mining and oil, jeopardizing fragile ecosystems.
During the last elections in 2023, Ecuador faced political turmoil with former President Guillermo Lasso’s corruption scandal leading to a disbanded assembly. Noboa, only 35 when he took office, responded to rising crime and energy challenges with a controversial law enforcement strategy, earning criticism yet maintaining his lead ahead of González in current polls.
The environmental agenda is overshadowed by economic issues for both candidates. They possess differing approaches regarding mining and oil policies, significantly impacting Ecuador’s environmental conservation goals. Noboa acknowledges climate change and proposes sustainable development, yet plans to invest $42 billion in fossil fuels by 2029, raising concerns among environmentalists.
Ecuador is already experiencing adverse impacts of climate change, such as droughts affecting hydroelectric power and energy shortages, which Noboa addresses by proposing rainwater storage solutions. However, environmental advocates argue that his economic focus undermines long-term ecological health, particularly regarding oil drilling in Indigenous territories and the Yasuní National Park.
Indigenous groups oppose expanded extraction projects, voicing concerns over pollution and habitat destruction. Noboa assures support for ecosystems and Indigenous rights in decision-making processes, though activists remain skeptical due to increased violence against them during his tenure.
Opposition candidate González, from the socialist Citizen Revolution Movement, seeks a clean energy transition while acknowledging the ongoing role of oil and gas. She has proposed enhancing governmental institutions responsible for environmental oversight and aims to improve Ecuador’s climate adaptation plan up to 2027, focusing on forest management and biodiversity.
For González to secure victory, she must achieve an absolute majority or exceed 40% of the votes with a margin of at least 10% over Noboa, or face a runoff election in April. Historic precedents suggest another decisive round is likely for determining Ecuador’s leadership amid these pressing environmental challenges.
Ecuador’s political landscape has recently experienced significant shifts, particularly following a corruption scandal that forced early elections in 2023. As the country heads into another election, the focus remains predominantly on pressing economic and security issues, overshadowing crucial environmental concerns. Both leading candidates have platforms that touch on potential environmental policies but appear to prioritize economic investments that may conflict with conservation efforts.
Ecuador’s upcoming election is pivotal, as both candidates present policies that could either advance or hinder environmental conservation efforts. Noboa’s commitment to investment in fossil fuels raises alarms over ecological integrity, while González seeks a cleaner energy framework but also supports ongoing oil and gas activities. The choices made during this election will profoundly impact Ecuador’s environmental future amid ongoing climate challenges.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
