What Happened
A recent study based on satellite images reported in La Prensa shows zones across Panama experiencing a noticeable increase in temperature. The finding has prompted concern from environmental voices but, according to the author of the La Prensa opinion piece, has not generated sufficient public or political urgency.
Observations and concerns
The opinion argues that Panama’s rapid economic expansion is proceeding with little environmental control. It describes a pattern in which capital-driven development, backed by business interests and some political leaders, prioritizes short-term economic gains over environmental safeguards. The piece notes that some influential figures and groups minimize or reject the severity of climate science, and it cites the example of United States political rhetoric that has dismissed climate change as a “scam.”
On the ground, the consequences described include tree felling, construction that ignores ecological economics, polluted rivers, and the loss of local flora and fauna. The author contends that these practices reflect a broader logic of prioritizing maximum income for companies without adequate regard for environmental risk.
Philosophical perspective
The piece draws on the work of Japanese philosopher Kohei Saito, quoting him directly to frame the problem in systemic terms: “El capitalismo utiliza a las personas como instrumentos para la acumulación de capital. Pero no solo eso: para el capitalismo, la naturaleza es también un simple objeto de saqueo. Si esta clase de sistema social persigue un crecimiento económico infinito, la caída del medio ambiente planetario en una situación crítica es, sencillamente, una consecuencia lógica”.
Later the author returns to Saito’s warning about responsibility to future generations: “Basta con reflexionar mínimamente acerca del enorme impacto del cambio climático sobre las generaciones futuras para darse cuenta de que nuestro desinterés e inacción son imperdonables. Ahora es cuando debemos abogar claramente por un gran cambio y hacerlo realidad”.
What this means for Panama
The article emphasizes questions for Panamanians and their leaders: what kind of cities does the country want, and who decides how urban space is used? It suggests that unless environmental considerations are embedded in planning and oversight, continued development will further degrade ecosystems and increase climate risks for communities across the country.
What to watch
The opinion calls for greater public engagement and for political leaders to take the satellite findings seriously. While the piece does not propose detailed policy steps, it urges readers to reflect on long-term consequences and to demand stronger environmental controls and respect for impact studies.
Note: the original opinion was published in La Prensa and written by a poet and designer.