Mexico's Fight Against Pollution: Strategies And Initiatives

Mexico has been working to reduce its air pollution, which has historically been some of the worst in the world. In 1992, the United Nations named Mexico City the most polluted city on the planet, and in 2007, it was ranked the fifth most polluted city out of 215. The country's air pollution has been caused primarily by industrial and automobile emissions, as well as population growth and urbanisation. In recognition of this, the Mexican government has implemented various plans to reduce emission levels, including vehicular restrictions, increased green areas, and expanded bicycle accessibility. In 2012, Mexico passed the General Law on Climate Change, creating a legal obligation to address short-lived climate pollutants. The country has also set ambitious targets, such as a 25% reduction in black carbon emissions by 2030, and launched a National Strategy to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants in 2019. Mexico is also addressing water scarcity and waste management issues, with plans to upgrade wastewater treatment plants and improve water infrastructure.

Improving air quality with cleaner fuels and technologies

Mexico has implemented several measures to improve air quality with cleaner fuels and technologies. The country has been working closely with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to reduce short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) and has set ambitious targets for doing so.

One of the key strategies is the National Strategy to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants, launched in 2019. This strategy aims to reduce black carbon emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change. It identifies nine mitigation measures across eight sectors, including transport, residential energy, and solid waste.

Mexico has also been working to improve public transportation by adopting cleaner fuels and technologies. This includes equipping buses with newer diesel technologies, introducing electric taxis, and promoting the use of bicycles. The country has also been a partner in the CCAC's initiative to introduce low-sulfur fuels and cleaner diesel vehicles, which aim to significantly reduce particulate and black carbon emissions from cars, buses, and trucks.

In Mexico City, the government has implemented several initiatives to improve air quality. One example is the ProAire program, which aims to improve air quality in the metropolitan area. This program has included closing fuel refineries, adding catalytic converters to cars, and implementing "No-Drive Days" to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. The city has also expanded public transit options with low- and zero-emission choices, such as the Metrobús system and Ecobici bicycles.

Additionally, Mexico is taking steps to reduce emissions from residential cooking, one of the major sources of black carbon. By promoting the use of cleaner fuels and technologies, such as electric vehicles and improved cooking methods, the country aims to reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution.

These measures demonstrate Mexico's commitment to improving air quality through the adoption of cleaner fuels and technologies, contributing to the global efforts to tackle air pollution and climate change.

Reducing black carbon emissions

Mexico has been actively trying to reduce pollution, especially in Mexico City, which was named the "most polluted city on the planet" by the United Nations in 1992. As a founding member of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), Mexico has committed to reducing short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) and set ambitious targets, including a 25% reduction in black carbon emissions by 2030.

Reducing Emissions from Diesel Engines

Diesel engines, including those in the transportation and residential sectors, are a significant source of black carbon emissions. Mexico can implement measures such as:

• Adopting world-class particulate matter exhaust emission standards for new diesel vehicles and engines, including the use of particulate filters and alternative fuels.
• Upgrading or phasing out old diesel vehicles and engines through incentives, grants, fiscal measures, and regulations.
• Ensuring the availability of clean fuels by implementing mandatory fuel quality standards, such as requiring ultra-low sulfur content in diesel fuels.
• Encouraging a shift to less-polluting modes of transport, such as electric taxis and buses with newer diesel technologies.

Improving Air Quality Monitoring

Mexico can establish better air quality monitoring systems, especially in major cities, to track fine particulate matter emissions, which include black carbon. This will help policymakers and the public become more aware of the high levels of dangerous emissions and inform effective strategies for reduction.

Sustainable Urban Planning

Mexico can implement sustainable urban planning solutions, such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems or Low Emission Zones (LEZs), to reduce congestion and air pollution in the transportation sector.

Replacing Old Vehicles

Mexico can provide incentives to replace the oldest, most polluting trucks and vehicles with cleaner, more fuel-efficient models. This will help remove high-emitting vehicles from the roads and improve air quality.

International Cooperation

Mexico can learn from and collaborate with other countries and regions, such as the Arctic Council nations, that have successfully reduced black carbon emissions. Sharing knowledge and best practices can lead to more effective strategies and faster progress in reducing emissions.

Increasing public transport use

Public transport is a key component of building sustainable cities and is integral to Mexico's efforts to reduce pollution. Here are some ways in which Mexico is trying to increase public transport use:

Improving Public Transport Infrastructure

Mexico has been working to expand and improve its public transport systems, particularly in major cities like Mexico City. This includes investing in public and mass transit infrastructure, such as new metro lines and bus rapid transit corridors. Mexico City, for example, has seen billions invested in its public transport system, with efforts to create an integrated, multi-modal, and sustainable transportation system.

Encouraging Public Transport Over Private Vehicles

Mexico recognizes that encouraging the use of public transport instead of individual motorized transport is essential to reducing emissions. The country has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, with the transport sector being the second-largest contributor to these emissions. By making public transport a more attractive option, Mexico can disincentivize the use of private motorized vehicles.

Addressing Safety and Accessibility Concerns

Safety and accessibility are significant factors that influence the use of public transport. Mexico is working to address these concerns by implementing measures such as "No-Drive Days", improving bicycle accessibility, and promoting alternatives to driving, such as bus rapid transit lines and bike-sharing systems. Additionally, the federal government has approved the General Law of Mobility and Road Safety, which guarantees safe and sustainable mobility as a constitutional right for the first time.

International Cooperation and Innovation

Mexico is collaborating with organizations like the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) to improve its public transport systems. These partnerships bring technical expertise and innovative solutions to enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of public transport in Mexico.

Electric Bus Electrification

Mexico is also working to electrify its urban public transport fleets. Latin American cities, including some in Mexico, are expected to have hundreds of electric buses deployed by 2030. This shift to electric buses will significantly reduce emissions and air pollution, as they emit less than half as much carbon as gas-powered private cars per passenger-kilometer traveled.

Improving water infrastructure

Mexico has been struggling to meet the demand for water from agriculture, industry, and citizens, as changing rain patterns due to climate change and drought have impacted water availability. The country's aquifers are drained and cannot recharge due to increased urbanization, and its wastewater systems cannot handle the volume of wastewater produced.

According to Mexico's National Water Commission (CONAGUA), the country has 4,820 small reservoirs, 984 potable water treatment plants, 2,540 municipal wastewater treatment plants, and 3,144 industrial wastewater treatment plants. However, this infrastructure has been operating at only 45% capacity over the last two years due to a lack of projects.

To address these issues, Mexico is taking several actions:

• Upgrading existing infrastructure: CONAGUA has allocated part of its 2022 budget to small projects aimed at improving infrastructure in major cities. The World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Boundary and Water Commission, and BANOBRAS (Mexico's Public Works Bank) are also executing water and wastewater projects, with plans to continue investing in water projects through 2025.
• Upgrading potable and municipal wastewater treatment plants: In partnership with the World Bank, Mexico is upgrading potable and municipal wastewater plants in border cities and the Cutzamala water system, and strengthening groundwater management in the Valley of Mexico.
• Addressing water scarcity and drought: Mexico City, currently facing a severe drought, has implemented the Rain Harvest program to help install rainwater harvesting systems in homes in areas with the greatest water shortages. This program prioritizes households headed by women, single mothers, indigenous people, older adults, and people with disabilities, aiming to improve equity.
• Promoting green and blue infrastructure: Mexico City is developing green and blue infrastructure to reconnect the metropolitan area with its lake basin sustainably. This includes rainwater harvesting, retention, and infiltration, as well as wastewater treatment and reuse.
• Reforestation and natural area protection: Reforestation and protecting natural areas in the metropolitan area help increase aquifer recharge capacity through improved soil infiltration.
• Preserving and restoring key water bodies: Protecting and restoring remaining water bodies can maintain and increase local retention and flood control capacity, contributing to groundwater recharge.
• Decentralized wastewater treatment: Developing smaller-scale, decentralized alternatives for wastewater treatment can help alleviate the charge on the centralized system and provide services in less accessible areas.
• Promoting local food production: Local food production in the basin ensures food security and helps preserve land from urbanization. Additionally, it contributes to cultural preservation, such as the pre-Hispanic farming system in Xochimilco.

Reducing deforestation

Mexico is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with its landscapes ranging from Meso-American rainforests to alpine habitats. However, the country is facing one of the highest rates of deforestation on the planet, losing about 180,000 hectares of forest every year, and as a result, a third of its land area is severely degraded.

To address this issue, Mexico has implemented several initiatives and programs to support the restoration of its forests and reduce deforestation. Here are some key strategies:

National Reforestation Program (PRONARE)

PRONARE is one of the key programs implemented by the National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR) to address deforestation. This program focuses on reforestation and has achieved significant milestones. In 2002, PRONARE reached a national goal of reforesting 210,000 hectares with 246 million seedlings produced in 603 nurseries across the country. While PRONARE has been successful in nursery production, it has faced challenges with seedling survival, with a reported 50% survival rate. However, CONAFOR is working to improve seedling quality and survival rates in the coming years.

Forestry Development Program (PRODEFOR)

PRODEFOR is another vital program led by CONAFOR to support the restoration of Mexico's forests. This program provides funding and technical support for the natural regeneration of temperate and tropical forests. By investing in natural regeneration, PRODEFOR aims to restore degraded forest lands and promote sustainable forest management practices.

Commercial Plantations Development Program (PRODEPLAN)

PRODEPLAN was established to encourage the creation of commercial plantations on productive lands. This program incentivizes private landowners to establish commercial plantations by offering to reimburse up to 60% of their direct investment if they achieve a survival rate of at least 70% for their tree plantings. By supporting commercial plantations, PRODEPLAN aims to increase forest cover and promote sustainable forestry practices.

Conservation and Forestry Management Program (PROCYMAF)

PROCYMAF is a critical program implemented by CONAFOR to address deforestation. This program focuses on genetic resources conservation and provides funding and technical assistance to support the conservation of Mexico's diverse forest ecosystems. By prioritizing genetic conservation, PROCYMAF aims to maintain the long-term health and productivity of Mexico's forests.

Mexican Alliance for Ecosystem Restoration (AMERE)

AMERE is a recent coalition formed by three civil society organizations: Reforestamos Mexico, WRI Mexico, and WWF Mexico. This alliance aims to bring together stakeholders from the public and private sectors to drive investment in ecosystem restoration. AMERE's goal is to ensure that investments support both current and future generations by directing funds towards restoration projects and promoting value chains derived from restoration activities.

Sembrando Vida (Sowing Life) Reforestation Program

Sembrando Vida is a $3.4 billion reforestation program launched by the Mexican government in 2018. This program aims to plant more than a billion trees on a million hectares of land, benefiting 420,000 rural farmers. As of July 2022, the government claimed that over 720 million trees had been planted, with another 548.9 million plants in community nurseries. While this program has faced some criticism, it demonstrates the Mexican government's commitment to reforestation and rural community support.

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