UNHOLY GUACAMOLE: Deforestation, Water Capture, and Violence Behind Mexico’s Avocado Exports

Avocados grown for export to the United States have fueled widespread deforestation and water theft in the Mexican states of Michoacán and Jalisco, with dire consequences for the rights of local residents. A report by Climate Rights International documented how major US companies were contributing to this disaster by failing to ensure the avocados they imported from Mexico were sourced sustainably. Since the release of the report and this video in 2023, local Mexican officials, civil society, and community leaders have joined forces to launch an ambitious satellite-based certification and conservation program—and, in doing so, they have created a promising model for efforts around the globe to reduce commodity-driven deforestation and catalyze community conservation. Video by: Climate Rights International Filmmaker: José Bautista