特朗普催墨西哥还“水债”

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the water supply dispute between the United States and Mexico, highlighting the pressures faced by Mexico in fulfilling its water obligations due to severe drought conditions and domestic water demands [3]. Group 1: Water Supply Obligations - The 1944 treaty between the U.S. and Mexico stipulates that the U.S. must release 1.85 billion cubic meters of water annually to Mexico, with Mexico required to supply approximately 2.158 billion cubic meters to the U.S. every five years [5]. - Mexico currently owes the U.S. about 980 million cubic meters of water, with a demand to release 247 million cubic meters by December 31 [3][5]. Group 2: Drought Conditions - Mexico has been experiencing increasing drought frequency and intensity over the past decade, with 46.5% of its land facing moderate to severe drought conditions as of mid-year [5]. - The agricultural and urban development in northern Mexico has led to excessive water consumption, exacerbating the water shortage [5]. Group 3: Political and Economic Pressures - The Mexican government is under dual pressure from domestic water needs and international obligations, making it challenging to meet the water supply requirements to the U.S. [3][5]. - The situation has led to public protests in Mexico, particularly regarding the transfer of water rights to the U.S. during national water shortages [6]. Group 4: U.S. Agricultural Impact - The water shortage has significantly affected agriculture in Texas, with crops like sugarcane and cotton facing severe challenges due to reduced water supply from Mexico [8]. - Recent studies indicate that water scarcity has resulted in the loss of 18% of farmland in the Colorado River basin and up to 49% in some areas of New Mexico and Texas [8]. Group 5: Political Context - Trump's pressure on Mexico for water supply is seen as a strategy to appeal to agricultural states ahead of the midterm elections, alongside announcing a $120 million economic aid package for U.S. farmers [9].