On June 15, MHEI PhD researcher M. Sc. Mónica Bárcenas Pazos presented at "Soapbox Science", an initiative of bringing science to public spaces. Her talk, "Tacos! Tequila! And solar energy?!," explored how large-scale solar installations could impact native biodiversity.

Mónica highlighted concerns that replacing traditional farming landscapes like milpas with solar infrastructure might reduce genetic diversity in culturally vital crops, including heirloom maize and agave varieties.

"Balancing renewable energy expansion with biodiversity protection requires collaborative planning," she noted. The talk sparked lively public dialogue on sustainable energy transitions.