Story perspectives

Climate Change Threatens Cempasuchil Flowers, Farmers Seek Alternatives

10/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Cempasuchil flowers in Xochimilco face up to 50% crop losses from heavy rains and flooding linked to climate change.
Lucia Ortiz, a farmer, notes rising costs for insecticides and fertilizers that strain finances.
Local authorities have provided minimal support, risking the Day of the Dead tradition as some farmers consider alternative crops.
Scientists at the Toxinachcal seed bank are preserving native seed variants more resilient than existing hybrids.

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Story summary

Cempasuchil flowers in Xochimilco face up to 50% crop losses from heavy rains and flooding linked to climate change.
Lucia Ortiz, a farmer, notes rising costs for insecticides and fertilizers that strain finances.
Local authorities have provided minimal support, risking the Day of the Dead tradition as some farmers consider alternative crops.
Scientists at the Toxinachcal seed bank are preserving native seed variants more resilient than existing hybrids.