Transboundary Policy Challenges in the Pacific Border Regions of North America

Martin Medina

San Diego/Tijuana constitutes the largest urban metropolitan area on the U.S.-Mexico border, and in recent years both cities have been among the fastest growing in their respective countries. Tijuana’s population and economic growth has had a particularly deleterious environmental impact that also affects San Diego. Environmental education can play a significant role in minimizing the environmental impact of the region’s growth. This paper analyzes the main environmental education activities and programs that exist on both sides of the border. Because of diverging socioeconomic conditions and availability of financial resources, the environmental issues facing Tijuana diverge from those in San Diego, necessitating a different approach to environmental education. In Tijuana, the most urgent need is to educate decision-makers on best practices of urban environmental management that are socially desirable, economically viable, and environmentally sound.

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