Mexico's Air Pollution: Strategies For A Cleaner Future

Mexico has made significant progress in improving its air quality since the 1980s and 1990s, but air pollution remains a critical issue with far-reaching health, environmental, and economic consequences. The country's mix of industrialisation and poor rural communities, as well as human activities such as transportation and agricultural practices, contribute to air quality issues. To better combat air pollution, Mexico must focus on implementing stricter emissions standards, promoting green technologies, and launching public awareness campaigns.

Stricter emission controls

Mexico has made significant strides in reducing air pollution since the 1980s and 1990s, but the country, particularly Mexico City, still faces high pollution levels, especially in urban areas. To further improve air quality and protect citizens' health, stricter emission controls are necessary.

Industrial Sector

Mexico's industrial sector, including factories and power plants, contributes significantly to air pollution, emitting large amounts of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). To combat this, stricter emission standards and regulations need to be enforced for these industries. This includes enhanced monitoring of industrial activities and their emissions, ensuring compliance with the set standards.

Transportation

The transportation sector is another major contributor to air pollution in Mexico. The country has a high number of vehicles, with around 55 million as of 2022, and most of these run on fossil fuels, leading to significant emissions of PM, NOx, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To address this, Mexico should implement stricter vehicle emission standards and promote the use of alternative fuels or technologies.

One effective measure has been the "Cars Don't Circulate" (Hoy No Circula) programme, which restricts vehicle use based on registration plate numbers. This has helped reduce the number of cars on the road and, consequently, their emissions. Stricter enforcement of this programme and the exploration of similar initiatives can further reduce transportation-related emissions.

Additionally, Mexico should continue to promote the use of electric vehicles, including electric taxis, and improve public transportation systems. This includes equipping buses with newer, more efficient diesel technologies and investing in electric bus fleets, as Mexico City has started to do.

Fuel Sources

Mexico has already taken steps to improve fuel sources, such as removing lead from gasoline and reducing the sulphur content in diesel fuel. However, more stringent measures can be implemented. For example, Mexico can further reduce the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in metropolitan areas and continue to promote the use of natural gas instead of fuel oil in industries and power generation.

Agriculture

Agricultural practices, such as crop burning, also contribute to air pollution in Mexico. To address this, the government can work with agricultural communities to adopt alternative practices that reduce the amount of PM2.5 and other contaminants released into the air. This may include providing support and resources for more sustainable waste management and pest control methods.

Public Awareness

In addition to stricter controls, public education plays a crucial role. The government should continue to invest in public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the impacts of air pollution and provide them with actionable steps to reduce their contribution to it. This includes encouraging the reduction of vehicle use, especially during high-risk periods, and promoting the use of cleaner, alternative fuel sources for cooking and heating.

By implementing these stricter emission controls and continuing to build on successful initiatives, Mexico can effectively reduce air pollution, improve public health, and mitigate the environmental and economic impacts of poor air quality.

Increased green space initiatives

The Mexican government has recognised the need for further action to combat air pollution, with Mexico City Mayor Martí Batres announcing discussions with the Ministry of Environment to explore strategies to improve air quality. Among the potential measures under consideration are increased green space initiatives to mitigate the impact of pollutants.

Green spaces can have a significant impact on reducing air pollution, particularly particulate matter (PM). Vegetation affects air quality through particle deposition, dispersion, and modification. The most studied mechanism is deposition, which involves the measurement of mass and settling velocity of PM on plant leaves.

To optimise the effectiveness of green space interventions in Mexico, several factors should be considered:

• Plant selection: Choosing plant species that are effective at absorbing or dispersing pollutants can maximise the impact on air quality.
• Spatial setup: The arrangement of green spaces can be designed to reduce peak exposures to pollutants, especially in densely populated urban areas.
• Ventilation: Improving air circulation can help disperse pollutants and prevent their accumulation in certain areas, such as valleys.
• Maintenance: Regular upkeep of green spaces is crucial to ensure their continued ability to mitigate pollution.

Additionally, the health benefits of green spaces should be emphasised. They can improve physical and mental health, reduce stress, and enhance social cohesion. Green spaces provide opportunities for physical activity, social interactions, and a sense of community, contributing to overall well-being.

By investing in and promoting green spaces, Mexico can not only improve air quality but also enhance the health and well-being of its citizens.

Public awareness campaigns

Education on Vehicle Emissions:

Mexico's large fleet of vehicles, particularly those propelled by the combustion of fossil fuels, significantly contributes to air pollution. Campaigns can focus on raising awareness about the impact of vehicle emissions and promoting alternative transportation options. This includes encouraging the use of public transportation, such as buses, cable bus lines, and bike-sharing programs. Additionally, the population can be informed about the benefits of electric vehicles and the availability of electric taxis.

Reducing Industrial Activities:

The industrial sector accounts for a significant portion of air pollutants. Public awareness campaigns can target businesses and inform them about ways to reduce emissions and improve air quality monitoring. This includes adopting cleaner technologies, improving energy efficiency, and implementing sustainable practices. By engaging industries and providing them with the necessary resources, Mexico can mitigate the impact of industrial activities on air quality.

Addressing Indoor Air Pollution:

Cooking with biomass fuels, such as wood and charcoal, is prevalent in rural areas and significantly contributes to indoor air pollution. Campaigns can focus on educating individuals in these areas about the health risks associated with biomass fuel usage and promoting alternative cooking methods or technologies, such as clean stoves. Providing information, incentives, or subsidies for adopting cleaner energy sources can help reduce indoor air pollution levels.

Promoting Green Spaces:

Increasing green spaces and initiatives can help mitigate the impact of pollutants. Public awareness campaigns can encourage citizens to participate in tree-planting programs, urban gardening, and the development of community green spaces. By involving the community in these initiatives, Mexico City can improve air quality while also creating more sustainable and resilient urban environments.

Avoiding High-Risk Activities:

During periods of high air pollution, it is crucial to refrain from activities that contribute to further deterioration. Campaigns can inform citizens about air quality alerts and provide guidance on reducing vehicle use, avoiding outdoor fires, and limiting physical exertion during these periods. By taking proactive measures, citizens can play a vital role in mitigating the impact of air pollution on their health and the environment.

Through comprehensive public awareness campaigns, Mexico can empower its citizens to take individual and collective actions to combat air pollution. By providing education, resources, and guidance, these campaigns can facilitate behavioural changes that contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for all.

More renewable energy sources

Mexico has an abundance of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, biomass, hydropower, and geothermal. The country has set a goal of generating 35% of its energy needs from clean energy sources by 2024, which includes power regeneration from renewable and non-renewable sources like nuclear energy and efficient cogeneration. In 2022, Mexico's clean energy plants (both renewable and non-renewable) had an installed capacity of 31,369 MW, with most of the renewable energy coming from hydro, wind, and solar power plants.

Mexico has the potential to significantly increase its renewable energy capacity, with predicted capacity including 24,918 GW of solar photovoltaics, 3,669 GW of wind power, 2.5 GW of conventional geothermal, and 1.2 GW of additional capacity from existing hydropower facilities. This capacity is enough to meet the country's electricity needs a hundred times over.

To achieve this, Mexico can focus on the following:

• Solar Power: Mexico is located in the global solar belt and has a large landmass, making it ideal for harnessing solar energy. The country can invest in manufacturing solar panels locally to reduce import taxes and create jobs in manufacturing, production, assembly, maintenance, and administration.
• Wind Power: Mexico has five major regions that can concentrate wind energy potential, mainly in the state of Oaxaca. The country can allocate resources and manpower to these regions to maximize wind energy production.
• Hydropower: As a developing country with abundant water sources, Mexico can further harness hydropower by storing water in dams and utilizing flowing rivers. This is already the most prominent source of renewable energy in Mexico, providing a power capacity of 11,603 MW.
• Geothermal Energy: Mexico is ranked 4th in the world for its use of geothermal energy, with a capacity of 958 MW. The country can continue to develop this energy source, which is generated from hot water or molten rock beneath the Earth's surface.
• Biomass Energy: Biomass has been the subject of extensive research in Mexico over the last 30 years and has the highest potential energy capacity of 2635 to 3771 PJ/year. While its use as a primary energy source has decreased since 1965, it still has the potential to play a significant role in Mexico's energy mix.

Improved public transport

Improving public transport is a key strategy for reducing air pollution in Mexico, particularly in Mexico City, which has historically been dubbed the "most polluted city in the world".

Electric Buses

Mexico City has invested in electric buses, which are a significant step towards reducing air pollution. Electric vehicles do not emit the same harmful pollutants as traditional fossil fuel-powered cars, such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides.

Expanding Public Transportation

The expansion of public transportation options in Mexico City has been a focus of the government's efforts to reduce air pollution. This includes the introduction of bus rapid transit lines and the implementation of a year-round bike-sharing scheme, which offers a cleaner alternative to driving.

Promoting Public Transport Use

Mexico has implemented driving restrictions, such as "No-Drive Days", to encourage the use of public transportation. While these restrictions have had mixed results, with residents finding ways around them, they have been largely successful in terms of compliance. The government is also considering public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the benefits of reducing vehicle use and promoting public transport as a more environmentally friendly alternative.

Improving Efficiency and Non-Polluting Transport

Mexico City needs to improve the overall efficiency of its transportation systems and promote non-polluting means of transport. This includes increasing the supply of medium and high-capacity public transport options and improving energy efficiency in motor vehicles.

Addressing Cultural Factors

There are cultural factors at play in Mexico City that contribute to a reluctance to use public transport. Driving is seen as a status symbol, and there is a perception that public transport is for those who cannot afford a private vehicle. Addressing these cultural norms and promoting the use of public transport as a socially responsible and environmentally friendly choice can help shift this mindset.

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