Introduction: The Holocene and Anthropocene Environmental History of Mexico

Abstract

The Holocene spans the last 11,700 years of Earth’s history, and the paleoecology and paleoclimate dynamics of Mexico over this interval were complex. This is apparent when considering the region’s ecological and physiographic diversity, as well as human impact since the Late Holocene. The geography of Mexico varies from desert to high mountain systems, indicating conspicuous precipitation and temperature variability on latitudinal and altitudinal scales. More than one-third of Mexico’s territory is classified as arid or subarid. This area receives more than 60% of its total annual precipitation during the warm season through the North American Monsoon (NAM) and tropical storm systems, and significant winter precipitation occurs only in its northwestern margin. The Anthropocene is the latest part of the Holocene and it is marked by an era of substantial human activity. Climate change during this interval is not exclusively driven by natural processes, as humans have been influencing shifts in the global climate. Several climate projections predict that anthropogenic global warming will cause further enhancement in aridity in this drought-prone region by increasing the mean temperature and reducing the average annual rainfall in the near future. Other areas of Mexico are projected to receive less annual precipitation or the same amount but in shorter time periods. Ultimately, the knowledge of Holocene environmental change can provide society with clues for conservation, management, and adaptation of Mexico’s diverse environments.