The environmental cost of Cuba’s terrorism designation

A recent article written by Vinicius Pereira in The Revelator, a news and ideas initiative of the Center for Biological Diversity, details the significant negative impact of the U.S. designation of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism on the island nation’s environment. While the designation is politically motivated and aimed at the Cuban government, its primary consequence is the severe restriction of Cuba’s access to international funding, technology, and scientific collaboration, leading to a decline in environmental protection and increased pressure on natural resources. The report highlights a “triple crisis” in Cuba: economic, energy, and ecosystems, with the terrorism designation exacerbating existing economic woes and directly hindering environmental efforts.

The article stresses these facts:

• Terrorism Designation as a Geopolitical Tool: The source argues that the State Sponsors of Terrorism list functions more as a tool for U.S. geopolitical leverage against regimes not aligned with its policy rather than an effective mechanism for curbing terrorism. Carolina Silva Pedroso is quoted as stating, “This list functions more as a tool of geopolitical leverage than an effective mechanism for curbing terrorism.” This designation, despite targeting the government, has a crippling effect on the entire island’s access to international resources vital for environmental protection.
• Direct Link Between Designation and Environmental Degradation: The core argument is that the terrorism designation, layered on top of the long-standing U.S. embargo, severely restricts Cuba’s ability to fund and implement environmental programs. This is evidenced by:
• Mounting Garbage and Waste Management Issues: Sergio Jorge Pastrana, executive director of the Cuban Academy of Sciences, directly attributes the “mismanagement of solid waste in Havana and other cities” to U.S. government policies. The lack of fuel, a consequence of economic restrictions, prevents the provision of basic environmental services.
• Decreased Capacity for Environmental Enforcement: The lack of resources hinders efforts to contain deforestation, poaching, and the overexploitation of natural resources.
• Reduced Waste Collection: Data shows a significant drop in collected waste in Villa Clara, not due to less waste, but because the collection system can no longer operate properly.
• Impact on Biodiversity Protection: Cuba boasts a rich and unique biodiversity, but the report indicates that the current crisis poses significant threats. The lack of resources and economic hardship push locals towards activities that harm the environment, such as guiding tourists through fragile ecosystems and hunting during restricted seasons. The article specifically mentions the zunzuncito and almiquí as endemic species facing increased threats due to habitat disruption and human encroachment.
• Increased Forest Fires and Deforestation: Forest fires, overwhelmingly caused by human activity, surged significantly in the past year. Locals are resorting to cutting down trees for firewood due to frequent power outages. Héctor Muñiz, a resident of Santa Clara, notes, “I know many people who clear forests just to be able to cook or start planting something.”
• Setback for Renewable Energy Transition: Cuba’s goal of generating 24% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 is significantly hampered. The U.S. embargo and terrorism designation make international financing for renewable projects nearly impossible. Bernardo Pericás is quoted as saying, “Cuba’s goal is to generate 24% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030,” but progress is slow due to restrictions.
• Contrast with the Obama Era: The report highlights a period of increased environmental investment and tangible positive outcomes during the Obama administration’s efforts to normalize relations and remove Cuba from the State Department’s list of state sponsors of terrorism. Between 2015 and 2021, the Cuban government’s financial commitment to environmental conservation increased by over 330%. Residents express nostalgia for this era, with José Mendez stating, “Back then, there was hope… Since Trump was elected, that hope has vanished.”
• Cycles of Designation and Removal: The source outlines the back-and-forth nature of Cuba’s designation on the terrorism list, being removed during Obama’s presidency and reinstated by Trump, then briefly removed by Biden before being reinstated again by Trump. This inconsistency further disrupts long-term planning and international cooperation.
• Economic Hardship Driving Environmental Damage: The severe economic crisis, characterized by hyperinflation and shortages, forces locals to prioritize immediate survival over environmental protection. Activities such as illegal fishing and waste dumping are increasing due to economic pressures. Héctor Muñiz also notes that “Illegal fishing and dumping waste… are also increasing. A lot of what we see is simply a result of… the economy.”
• Dependency on External Investment for Autonomy: Paradoxically, for Cuba to achieve greater energy autonomy through renewables and reduce its reliance on external systems, it requires external investment, which is made impossible by the current restrictions. Pedroso explains, “Paradoxically, for Cuba to become more autonomous and less dependent on external systems, it still needs outside investment… The current restrictions make that impossible.”

In conclusion, The Revelator article provides a compelling case that the U.S. designation of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism has profound and detrimental environmental consequences. By severely limiting Cuba’s access to international resources and exacerbating economic hardship, the designation directly contributes to the deterioration of the island’s ecosystems, hinders efforts to protect its unique biodiversity, and stalls its transition to renewable energy. 

The report underscores the human cost of this political tool, highlighting the tangible impact on daily life and the vanishing hope for environmental improvement felt by Cuban residents.

El costo ambiental de la designación de Cuba como Estado Patrocinador del Terrorismo