Coupling Effects of Mexican Avocado Production with Demand in the United States: A Social-Ecological Perspective on Sustainability Concerns

In this perspective, we illustrate the major elements of the telecoupled social-ecological system that connects the production of avocados in the highlands of Mexico with demand for avocado in the United States. The social and environmental consequences along the supply chain highlighted here range from deforestation to an increase in out-migration and organized crime. Mitigation could include forest conservation practices and a shift in the production system towards ecological management. Nevertheless, these actions should also engage with initiatives fueled by consumer demand for products untarnished by environmental degradation or social injustices.