Critics say border wall harms desert wildlife

Critics say President Donald Trump’s border wall is traumatizing desert ecosystems.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection says its agents are relocating historic desert species away from construction. However, critics say they have witnessed acres of desert scenery being bulldozed.

For example, Organ Pipe National Monument is the only place in the world where the cactus grows naturally. It lies in a protected portion of the Sonoran desert, yet the wall passes right through the preserve.

Critics of the wall tell The Business Times the construction is harmful to both plant and animal life in the area. They say all the concrete will raise carbon dioxide emissions. They also fear the wall will prevent animal migrations and lead to the extinction of certain species.

Supporters of the project say it’s essential to national security, and as such, is worth the risks it poses.

The Trump administration wants the wall finished by the end of 2020.

Copyright 2018 KYMA