The Atlas Obscura Podcast The Chinampas in Xochimilco
Nov 18, 2025
Teresa de Miguel, a multimedia journalist with experience covering environmental issues, dives into the fascinating world of chinampas—Mexico City's floating gardens. She reveals the rich history of these agricultural marvels dating back to the Aztecs and discusses the various threats they face today, including urbanization and pollution. Highlighting the inspiring story of Cassandra Garduño, who is passionately restoring an abandoned chinampa, Teresa shares insights about overcoming gender barriers in farming and innovative collaboration with local universities to sustain this vital ecosystem.
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Ancient Engine Of Urban Food And Cooling
- Xochimilco's chinampas are remnant man-made island farms from the Aztec capital built by digging canal mud into fertile plots.
- They once fed Tenochtitlan and still produce food for Mexico City while preserving wetlands and cooling the urban area.
Wetlands Reduce Urban Heat
- Xochimilco's wetlands moderate Mexico City's climate and store carbon, reducing average temperatures.
- Losing them could raise city temperatures by up to 2°C and worsen urban heat and air quality.
Multiple Pressures Shrinking Chinampas
- Chinampas are vanishing due to urban development, pollution from tourism, and conversion to non-agricultural uses like soccer fields.
- Abandonment and trash from boats, plus agrochemical use, degrade the canals and soils.