Helena Joyce
Mexico has been taking steps to combat pollution, particularly in Mexico City, which was once the world's most polluted city. The country's industrialisation, urbanisation, and population growth have contributed to poor air quality. Mexico has implemented various measures, including the Mexican Atmospheric Environmental Contingency Plan, which restricts vehicle usage and limits greenhouse gas emissions from factories. The government has also mandated gasoline reformulation, closed polluting factories, and expanded public transportation. Mexico City has launched climate change strategic programs focusing on green energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable development. The city is improving mobility, solid waste management, and investing in renewable power projects. While progress has been made, air pollution remains a significant challenge, and further policies are needed to address emissions and protect public health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 8.8 million in Mexico City, 120 million in the country |
| Population growth | From 3 million in 1950 to 20 million in 2015 |
| Industrial growth | Industrialisation began in the 20th century |
| Vehicles | 358 per 1,000 people, 55 million in total |
| Energy sources | Firewood, charcoal, biomass fuels, propane (LPG), natural gas |
| Air pollution | Above global averages, but down from 1st to 917th most polluted city |
| Air quality | 23 micrograms of PM2.5 per square metre, above the WHO limit of 10 |
| Health impact | One in 17 deaths in the country |
| Environmental impact | Damage to biodiversity, natural resources, and forests |
| Government initiatives | BreatheLife campaign, ProAire, AECP, climate change strategic programs, clean energy initiatives |
| Specific measures | Vehicle restrictions, green energy, energy efficiency, waste management, improved stoves, chimney installation |
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What You'll Learn
- Mexico is transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and solar water heating
- The Mexican government has implemented no-driving days and vehicle emission tests to reduce the number of cars on the road
- Mexico City has improved public transportation and is encouraging active transport, such as cycling and walking
- The government is addressing the use of biomass fuels for cooking, which emit large amounts of pollutants
- Mexico is working to improve solid waste management and reduce the burning of agricultural waste
Mexico is transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and solar water heating
Mexico has been taking steps to transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and solar water heating, to combat pollution. The country has set ambitious goals for increasing its use of clean energy and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.
Mexico has abundant natural resources and a rapidly growing economy, yet it has been criticized for not fully exploiting its renewable energy potential. The country has set a goal of generating 35% of its energy from renewable sources by 2024, in line with its Energy Transition Law and General Climate Change Law. This includes power regeneration from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower.
Solar energy, in particular, holds great potential for Mexico due to its ideal location in the Solar Belt. However, solar currently makes up only about 10% of the country's electricity mix, along with wind power. Hydro leads the way with 13 GW of installed capacity, while wind and solar PV have around 7 GW and 8 GW, respectively, as of 2021.
To achieve its renewable energy goals, Mexico needs to address several challenges. One major obstacle is the significant capital investment required for renewable infrastructure, estimated at up to USD 350 billion by 2030. Additionally, most wind and solar resources are located far from demand centers, requiring an update and expansion of the country's electrical grid.
Despite these challenges, Mexico is committed to reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. The country has participated in trade shows and events, seeking renewable energy technologies and expertise from the United States. With the right technologies and infrastructure in place, Mexico can harness its abundant renewable resources to diversify its energy supply, lower electricity costs, and support sustainable corporate practices.
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The Mexican government has implemented no-driving days and vehicle emission tests to reduce the number of cars on the road
Mexico City has long struggled with poor air quality, with the United Nations naming it the "most polluted city on the planet" in 1992. The city's geographical location in a valley surrounded by mountains, coupled with its high altitude, makes it particularly susceptible to trapping pollution. Various factors have contributed to this issue, including industrial growth, a sharp increase in population, and the proliferation of vehicles.
To address this problem, the Mexican government has implemented several measures, including no-driving days and vehicle emission tests, to reduce the number of cars on the road and improve air quality. The "Hoy No Circula" program, which started as a restriction on driving one day a week, was expanded in 2016 to forbid driving on two days a week. Vehicles are tested and assigned a verification based on their performance, with underperforming vehicles prohibited from driving on certain days. While this policy initially faced criticism for its ineffectiveness in reducing air pollution, it has undergone revisions and remains a key component of Mexico's strategy to reduce vehicle emissions.
In addition to the no-driving days, the Mexican government has implemented vehicle emission tests to identify underperforming vehicles. These tests evaluate the emission levels of vehicles, and those that do not meet the requirements are restricted from driving on certain days. This dual approach of no-driving days and emission tests aims to reduce the number of cars on the road and encourage the use of more efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles.
Mexico City has also implemented other initiatives to improve air quality and reduce pollution. These include investing in renewable power projects, such as installing photovoltaic panels and solar water heating systems, improving solid waste management, and promoting energy efficiency in public buildings. The city has joined the BreatheLife campaign, demonstrating its commitment to improving air quality and the health of its citizens.
While Mexico has made significant progress in reducing air pollution, it still faces challenges. The country's mix of industrialisation and poor rural communities contributes to air quality issues, and further policy changes are needed to address emissions and curb future concerns. However, with continued efforts and a comprehensive approach to air quality management, Mexico is on a path to creating a cleaner and healthier environment for its citizens.
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Mexico City has improved public transportation and is encouraging active transport, such as cycling and walking
Mexico City has been notorious for its poor air quality for decades. In 1992, the United Nations named Mexico City "the most polluted city on the planet". The city's annual mean levels of PM2.5 are consistently above the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limit of 10 micrograms per square meter. The average PM2.5 level in Mexico City is 23 micrograms per square meter, over 2.3 times higher than WHO guidelines.
To tackle this issue, Mexico City has improved public transportation and is encouraging active transport, such as cycling and walking. The city has implemented climate change strategic programs with clear and specific targets, including green energy initiatives and sustainable development of natural resources and biodiversity. One such initiative is the expansion of public transportation, with the city investing in renewable power projects like installing photovoltaic panels on public and private buildings to generate renewable energy. The city is also improving mobility by upgrading its high-capacity, low-emission transport systems and improving the maintenance and inspection program for private vehicles.
In addition to improving public transportation, Mexico City is encouraging active transport such as cycling and walking. The Mexican government has plans to reduce emission levels that include expanded bicycle accessibility. The city is also working on creating energy-efficient buildings, with a new project to convert four public buildings to efficient energy usage recently being approved.
Mexico City is also addressing the issue of air pollution through solid waste management. The city plans to improve the collection and disposal of solid waste with more efficient solutions, including potentially using landfill gas recovery to supply clean energy. The city has also joined the BreatheLife campaign, which aims to improve air quality and the quality of life for its inhabitants.
Through these initiatives, Mexico City has made significant progress in reducing air pollution. In 2021, the city ranked as the 917th most polluted city in the world, a notable improvement from its previous ranking. However, air pollution remains an issue, and further policy is needed to address emissions and curb further air quality concerns.
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The government is addressing the use of biomass fuels for cooking, which emit large amounts of pollutants
Mexico has been taking several measures to combat pollution, especially in Mexico City, which was once named the world's most polluted city. While the city has witnessed a colossal improvement in air quality in recent years, dropping down to the 917th most polluted city in the world in 2021, air pollution remains a significant issue.
The Mexican government is addressing the use of biomass fuels for cooking, which emit large amounts of pollutants. The use of biomass fuels for cooking is commonplace in developing countries and has been associated with adverse health effects, particularly respiratory problems. A study conducted in Solis, a village near Mexico City, found that women cooking with biomass fuels experienced increased respiratory symptoms and a reduction in lung function compared to those using gas. The smoke produced from burning biomass contains particulate matter, which can lead to respiratory illnesses, chronic lung diseases, and other health issues.
To tackle this issue, the government has implemented programs and regulations to reduce pollution and improve air quality. The Mexican Atmospheric Environmental Contingency Plan (AECP), reactivated in 2016, included restrictions on vehicle use and limited greenhouse gas emissions from factories by up to 40%. The ProAire program, launched in 1995, aimed to reduce air pollution by prioritizing public transportation, increasing green areas, and promoting bicycle accessibility. The government has also required the reformulation of gasoline, the closure or relocation of polluting factories, and implemented the “Hoy No Circula” policy, which prohibits driving on certain days of the week.
In addition, Mexico is working towards achieving zero deforestation by 2030. Deforestation is often caused by the expansion of livestock and agriculture, and it contributes to the loss of natural forests, which are crucial for absorbing pollutants and improving air quality. By strengthening inspection and surveillance systems, the government aims to curb illegal changes in land use and protect the country's forests.
While these measures represent a step in the right direction, more comprehensive and long-term strategies may be required to effectively address the use of biomass fuels and the associated health and environmental concerns.
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Mexico is working to improve solid waste management and reduce the burning of agricultural waste
Mexico has been taking steps to combat pollution, particularly air pollution, which has been a major issue in Mexico City for decades. The city was once named the most polluted city in the world by the United Nations in 1992 due to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population growth. While it has since dropped to 917th place in terms of air pollution as of 2021, Mexico continues to implement measures to improve solid waste management and reduce agricultural waste burning.
Mexico has started to adopt Circular Economy (CE) measures to curb waste, promote recycling, and encourage responsible consumption. The country generates approximately 53.1 million tons of waste annually, with 84% collected, and Mexico City alone produces nearly 13,000 tons of municipal solid waste daily. The General Law for the Prevention and Integral Management of Waste (LGPGIR) categorizes waste into municipal solid waste (MSW), special handling waste (ACS), and hazardous waste, establishing clear roles and responsibilities for waste management. Additionally, the federal government has formulated the National Program for the Prevention and Comprehensive Management of Solid Waste Management (PNPGIR) to generate information for decision-making, promote waste prevention and adequate handling, and develop a legal framework.
There are currently 47 waste treatment plants in Mexico that separate, recycle, crush, compact, compost, and biodigest waste. The country also has a technical regulation for hazardous waste (NOM 87), which provides guidelines for its management. The National Emissions Registry (RENE), developed under the General Law on Climate Change, compiles emissions data from various industries, including waste management. While Mexico has made progress in waste management, there is a recognized need for improved public policies and consumer awareness campaigns to address the increasing waste accumulation in public spaces.
In terms of agricultural waste burning, Mexico has recognized its significant environmental impact. Initiatives like the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative work with farmers to promote fire-free farming methods, and Mexico's SADER initiative aims to educate producers on alternatives to burning, such as incorporating stubble into fields or planting directly through it. These no-burn alternatives offer cost savings for farmers while reducing the environmental impact of agricultural burning.
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Frequently asked questions
Mexico has implemented several initiatives to combat pollution, including:
- The Mexican Atmospheric Environmental Contingency Plan (AECP), which restricts the use of vehicles and limits factories' greenhouse gas emissions.
- The ProAire program, which aims to improve air quality through various measures such as vehicular restrictions, the expansion of green areas, and increased bicycle accessibility.
- The removal of lead from gasoline and the implementation of catalytic converters in automobiles.
- The closure of polluting factories and the substitution of fuel oil with natural gas in industry and power plants.
- The improvement of solid waste management systems and the promotion of renewable energy projects.
Mexico City has made significant improvements in reducing air pollution and is currently ranked 917th in the world for air pollution, down from being the most polluted city in the world in 1992. However, it still faces challenges as its concentration of airborne particles (PM2.5) exceeds the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The average PM2.5 level in Mexico City is 23 micrograms per square meter, over 2.3 times higher than the recommended limit of 10 micrograms per square meter.
The main sources of pollution in Mexico include:
- Industrial activities: factories and power plants emit large quantities of pollutants, including sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
- Vehicle emissions: the proliferation of vehicles and the slow implementation of low-sulphur standards have contributed to poor air quality.
- Cooking with biomass fuels: nearly one in eight Mexicans cook with firewood or charcoal, which significantly contributes to indoor air pollution, especially in rural areas.
- Deforestation and agricultural burning: Mexico lost 262,000 hectares of natural forest in 2018 due to changes in land use for livestock, agriculture, and crops.
