Colombia's Pollution Problem: Is It Getting Better?

Colombia is a country rich in biodiversity, with over 1800 bird species and at least one new species being discovered annually. However, it faces significant environmental challenges, including pollution. Air pollution in Colombia is linked to thousands of deaths each year, and water pollution limits the country's ability to utilise its abundant water resources effectively. Colombia's capital, Bogotá, has the highest rate of air pollution in the country, largely due to the increasing number of vehicles on the road. In addition, the country faces issues with water pollution, with important water resources contaminated by industrial and agricultural discharge, and crude oil spills caused by leftist guerrilla squads. Colombia has taken steps to address these issues, partnering with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition in 2012 and implementing initiatives such as the Biodivercities Alliance to monitor and reduce airborne contaminants.

Air pollution kills thousands of Colombians annually

Air pollution is a pressing issue in Colombia, causing thousands of deaths annually. According to a World Bank study, around 15,000 Colombians lose their lives each year due to air pollution. While about 8,000 of these deaths are attributed to outdoor pollution in cities, an alarming 7,000 deaths are a result of household air pollution in rural areas.

The primary cause of these fatalities is the inhalation of tiny particles in smoke produced by cooking and heating with wood and solid fuels. This indoor pollution disproportionately affects rural communities, where solid fuels are predominantly used. The situation is particularly dire in the Caribe, Central, and Pacifica regions, where air pollution levels can be ten times higher than in urban areas. As a result, household air pollution contributes to a staggering 17% of all deaths in these regions.

Outdoor air pollution is also a significant concern, especially in metropolitan areas such as Bogota, Valle de Aburra, and Cali. The main sources of outdoor air pollution in Colombia are vehicular and factory emissions, particularly from heavy-duty vehicles like trucks, lorries, and buses that use outdated engines and fossil fuels. The open burning of refuse, poorly maintained roads, and construction sites are also contributing factors. These sources of pollution release harmful particulate matter, known as PM2.5, into the air. PM2.5 particles are extremely small, measuring less than 2.5 thousandths of a millimetre, and can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing serious health issues.

Colombia has taken steps to address this issue, partnering with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and developing a National Strategy for the Mitigation of Short-Lived Climate Pollutants in 2018. Additionally, eleven Colombian cities have joined the Biodivercities Alliance for a Better Air, aiming to monitor and reduce air pollution through nature-based solutions. The country is also transitioning to electric buses and improving cooking facilities in rural areas to reduce air pollution and its deadly consequences.

While Colombia's air quality has improved in recent years, more needs to be done to meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) air quality standards. The current PM2.5 concentration in Colombia is 2.8 times the WHO guideline, and over 60% of the population breathes air that exceeds this guideline. To protect the health and well-being of its citizens, Colombia continues to implement initiatives and policies aimed at reducing air pollution and mitigating its deadly impact.

Water pollution limits the use of Colombia's abundant water resources

Colombia is one of the most water-rich countries in the world, with nearly 50,000 cubic meters of water available per person each year. However, water pollution is a serious problem in the country, limiting the use of this abundant resource. The main sources of water pollution in Colombia are the agricultural, industrial, and mining sectors. Direct discharge of untreated effluents, pathogens, and other toxic substances into rivers and other water sources has contaminated important waterways such as the Bogotá, Cali, Combeima, Otún, Medellín, de Oro, Pamplonita, and Pasto rivers.

The mining sector, including artisanal and small-scale gold mining, is a significant contributor to water pollution in Colombia. Gold mining activities require large volumes of water, and many local mines discharge untreated waters and tailings directly into rivers and other waterways. Mercury, a highly toxic substance used in gold mining, has contaminated water sources in the San Jorge river basin and other regions, posing risks to both human health and the environment. Colombia is the world's highest per capita mercury polluter, with total mercury emissions reaching up to 150 tons per year.

The agricultural sector is also a major contributor to water pollution in Colombia. Rampant cattle ranching and the use of pesticides and other chemicals in coca refining have contaminated water sources. Deforestation, often caused by agricultural activities, has further exacerbated the problem by reducing the natural filtration capacity of forests. According to the United Nations in 2003, Colombia loses 2,000 km2 of forest annually, with some estimates placing this figure as high as 3,000 km2 due to illegal logging.

To address these issues, various initiatives have been implemented. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) works to safeguard water sources by promoting sustainable farming practices and conserving natural areas. Water Funds, for example, ensure that downstream water users compensate upstream communities for protecting forests and other lands that filter and safeguard water supplies. Additionally, Colombia has partnered with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and joined the Biodivercities Alliance for a Better Air, aiming to reduce air pollution and its impact on water sources.

Despite these efforts, water pollution continues to limit Colombia's use of its abundant water resources. The country faces challenges in implementing robust water infrastructure projects due to economic constraints and the impact of peace talks with guerrilla movements. As Colombia's population grows and becomes increasingly urbanized, the demand for water increases, further straining the country's water resources.

Bogota, Medellin, and Cali are among the cities with the worst air quality

Colombia is among the ten countries with the worst air quality in Latin America. Bogota, Medellin, and Cali are among the cities with the worst air quality in the country. Medellin has the most polluted air in Colombia, with a PM2.5 concentration of 15.6 μg/m3. Bogota, the capital city, follows closely behind with a PM2.5 level of 13.7 μg/m3, making it the sixth most polluted capital in Latin America. The air quality in Bogota has improved marginally over the years, with readings of 15.7 μg/m³ in 2017, 13.9 μg/m³ in 2018, and 13.1 μg/m³ in 2019. However, readings as high as 35 μg/m³ have been recorded in the city of Sabaneta, and highs of 24.4 μg/m³ in Bogota, which can lead to various respiratory issues and other health problems.

The main causes of air pollution in Colombia are emissions and fumes from vehicles, particularly heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks, lorries, and buses. These larger vehicles often use outdated engines and run on fossil fuels such as diesel or lower-quality fuel, producing high levels of pollution and novel chemicals. Traffic and vehicle pollution account for the majority of pollution in Colombia, especially in Bogota. With rapid urbanization and a growing population, emissions from factories and production facilities that rely on fossil fuels contribute significantly to the country's air pollution.

To combat air pollution, Colombia has taken several initiatives. Medellin launched an air quality plan, PIGECA 2017-2030, which helped reduce the number of days the city's red alert for air pollution was triggered from 30 in 2016 to just one in 2018. Cali also joined the BreatheLife campaign, implementing measures such as introducing cleaner vehicles, promoting bicycle use, and encouraging a switch from diesel to electric vehicles. Colombia has also partnered with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and developed a National Strategy for the Mitigation of Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) to reduce emissions and improve air quality. Additionally, eleven Colombian cities, including Montería, have joined the Biodivercities Alliance to monitor and reduce airborne contaminants, with a focus on nature-based solutions.

The switch to electric vehicles and LPG fuel could reduce pollution

Colombia is actively working to combat climate change and air pollution. In 2012, the country partnered with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and took on a leadership role by joining the Steering Committee for a two-year term in 2020. Colombia has also joined the Independent Association of Latin America and the Caribbean (AILAC), a group of eight countries working together to achieve sustainable development that is responsible for future generations. As part of its efforts, Colombia has committed to reducing air pollutant emissions, greenhouse gases, and short-lived climate pollutants.

To reduce air pollution, Colombia has implemented several measures, including the switch to electric vehicles and the use of LPG fuel. For example, in 2018, Santiago de Cali introduced cleaner vehicles to its public transportation system, including electric buses, and encouraged a switch from diesel to electric vehicles.

The switch to electric vehicles can significantly reduce pollution. Electric vehicles (EVs) have zero tailpipe emissions, which helps reduce air pollution and lower greenhouse gas emissions. They do not rely on fossil fuels for power and do not have components like fuel lines, fuel tanks, and tailpipes found in conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Additionally, EVs use eco-friendly materials, making them lighter and more efficient, further reducing their environmental impact.

While generating the electricity used to charge EVs can create carbon pollution, the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with EVs are typically lower over their lifetime. This is because renewable energy sources like wind and solar power are increasingly being used to generate electricity, reducing the carbon footprint of EVs.

LPG fuel, or liquefied petroleum gas, can also help reduce pollution. LPG engines equipped with oxidation catalysts can effectively reduce two major exhaust pollutants: carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. These pollutants are converted into carbon dioxide and water vapour through oxidation. Newer catalyst technologies, such as the 3-way catalyst, can simultaneously remove three pollutants from exhaust gas: carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides.

Deforestation, soil erosion, and illicit drug crops are environmental issues alongside urbanization

Colombia has been facing various environmental issues, including deforestation, soil erosion, illicit drug crops, and urbanization.

Deforestation

Deforestation is one of the most alarming environmental concerns in Colombia. It has extensively altered the country's land cover over several decades. According to the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies (IDEAM), between 2015 and 2018, annual deforestation in Colombia rose from 124,035 to 197,159 hectares, with a slight decrease to 158,894 hectares in 2019. Illicit coca cultivation, the expansion of agriculture, transformation of forests into pastures for cattle ranching, road construction, and human settlements are significant drivers of deforestation in Colombia.

Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is another pressing issue in Colombia, often associated with deforestation and illicit coca cultivation. Coca-driven deforestation contributes to increased soil nutrient loss and erosion, posing a significant risk to the country's biodiversity.

Illicit Drug Crops

The cultivation of illicit coca crops is a direct and indirect driver of deforestation in Colombia. While a UNODC study found that only 6% of forest loss between 2005 and 2014 was directly caused by planting illicit coca crops, 42% of total deforestation in the Amazonía and Catatumbo regions was associated with coca cultivation. Illicit coca crops are often grown in environmentally sensitive Special Management Zones, such as protected areas and forest reservation zones.

Urbanization

Urbanization is also a factor in Colombia's environmental challenges. The expansion of human settlements and the construction of roads contribute to deforestation and habitat destruction, especially in protected areas. Additionally, urbanization increases the demand for resources and infrastructure, impacting the environment.

Colombia is actively addressing these environmental issues. The government has partnered with organizations like the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and the Independent Association of Latin America and the Caribbean (AILAC) to combat climate change, reduce air pollution, and promote sustainable development. Cities like Medellin and Santiago de Cali have implemented air quality plans, such as introducing cleaner vehicles, promoting bicycle use, and transitioning to electric buses. Colombia has also developed strategies like the National Strategy for the Mitigation of Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) and the Biodivercities Alliance to monitor and improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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