The challenges of this environment are intertwined with the benefits. In order to have more land for crops, the land in Moldova was heavily deforested. Only 11% of land has forest coverage, the least of any country in Europe. 40% of land is affected by erosion or degradation. There are over 100 sites contaminated with pesticide, and 50% of groundwater is contaminated and highly mineralized.
Moldova has a generally mild environment, but overuse and overdevelopment has led to problems that people are now facing. The problems described above will only worsen as climate change continues. Groups are working now to replant trees and lead community clean ups. My community has had two tree plantings since my arrival in the community, and my counterpart and I have participated in an additional groupwide planting since then.
