Greta Jimenez
Air pollution is a pressing issue in Mexico, causing about 5.9% of all deaths in the country. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a limit for average outdoor ambient air pollution of 10 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre of air (10 µg/m3). However, Mexico's PM2.5 levels in 2023 averaged over 20 µg/m3, with the average PM2.5 level in Mexico City being 23 µg/m3. This is due to a combination of factors, including industrial growth, a sharp increase in population, and the proliferation of vehicles. In addition, the country's topography and frequent volcanic activity contribute to the trapping of pollutants in certain areas. To address the pollution problem, Mexico has implemented initiatives such as incentives for using cleaner fuels and the development of clean taxis and small buses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollution ranking | 46th place amongst countries with the highest PM2.5 concentration |
| Air pollution compared to WHO standards | Above the recommended limit of 10 µg/m³ |
| Air pollution in Mexico City | 23 µg/m³ |
| Air pollution in Puebla, Toluca, and Monterrey | 20-36 µg/m³ |
| Air pollution in North America | Above the average of 6.5 µg/m³ |
| Average PM2.5 concentration in Mexico since 2018 | 18.9-20.3 µg/m³ |
| Percentage of population breathing polluted air | More than 90% |
| Main sources of air pollution | Industrial growth, population increase, proliferation of vehicles, crop burning, biomass fuels, and wildfires |
| Health impacts of air pollution | Asthma, bronchitis, cancer, and other issues causing approximately 33,000 premature deaths annually |
| Economic impacts of air pollution | Substantial healthcare costs and reduced economic output due to worker absenteeism and lower productivity |
| Environmental impacts of air pollution | Harm to plants and animals, disrupted ecosystems, reduced biodiversity, and crop damage |
| Initiatives to reduce air pollution | Incentives for cleaner fuels, smog control measures, restrictions on private car usage, development of clean taxis and buses, improved environmental infrastructure, and enhanced border region planning |
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What You'll Learn
Mexico City's air pollution
The primary sources of air pollution in Mexico City are industrial emissions and vehicle emissions. Between 1950 and 2015, the population of Mexico City increased from three million to twenty million, largely due to industrialization and the resulting influx of migrants. This rapid growth led to a significant increase in industrial emissions, with over 11,000 tons of waste material being emitted into the atmosphere daily. The number of vehicles on the roads also surged, with 124 cars and light-duty trucks per 1000 residents in 1980, increasing to 267 by 2010.
The Mexican government has implemented various measures to address air pollution in Mexico City. In the past, the government mandated the reformulation of gasoline, closed or relocated polluting factories, and prohibited driving one day per week. These actions led to significant improvements in air quality, with an 86% decrease in carbon monoxide, a 53% decrease in ozone, and a 32% decrease in particulate matter between 1992 and 2012. More recently, the government has focused on expanding public transportation, increasing green areas, and promoting bicycle accessibility.
Despite these efforts, air pollution remains a significant issue in Mexico City. The average concentration of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) in the city is about 25 µg/m³, exceeding the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 10 µg/m³. This level of pollution is considered moderate, but it still contributes to health issues, causing about one in seventeen (5.9%) of all deaths in the country.
To further improve air quality, there is a need to prioritize public transport, electric mobility, and active transport such as cycling and walking. Additionally, addressing deforestation, transitioning to cleaner fuels, and improving household cooking stoves can contribute to reducing air pollution in Mexico City and the country as a whole.
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Industrial growth and emissions
Mexico's industrial growth has contributed significantly to its air pollution crisis. The country's economic development and rising population have led to increased energy demand, with a heavy reliance on fossil fuels for power generation. This has resulted in high carbon dioxide emissions from the energy sector, which accounted for 63.9% of Mexico's gross greenhouse gas emissions in 2021.
The industrial sector is the main emitter of greenhouse gases in Mexico, and the country's waste sector contributes more than double the global average. Mexico's industrial growth has been accompanied by a sharp increase in population, with the number of residents soaring from three million in 1950 to over 120 million today. This demographic surge has resulted in a proliferation of vehicles, with more than 3.5 million registered automobiles, 30% of which are over 20 years old. The burning of fossil fuels for transportation contributes significantly to Mexico's carbon dioxide emissions.
The energy and agricultural sectors are the primary sources of Mexico's greenhouse gas emissions. In 2021, carbon dioxide accounted for 63.9% of these emissions, methane for 27.7%, and nitrous oxide for 5.1%. Methane and nitrous oxide emissions, which made up 32.8% of Mexico's total emissions in 2021, originate mainly from agricultural activities, wastewater management, and organic waste decomposition.
To address the pollution crisis, Mexico has set a goal of achieving zero deforestation by 2030. The country aims to modify mobility systems to prioritize public transportation, primarily electric, and active transport such as cycling and walking. Additionally, Mexico is encouraging the use of improved cookstoves with chimneys in rural households, as solid fuel combustion for cooking contributes significantly to indoor air pollution.
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Population growth and vehicles
Mexico's population has grown significantly since the 1950s, with the country's population today exceeding 120 million people. This population boom has been driven by migration, as people seek better opportunities in Mexico's cities. As a result of this influx, Mexico has undergone rapid industrialisation, with thousands of migrants providing the manpower for industrial growth. This has, in turn, led to a proliferation of vehicles on Mexico's roads.
In Mexico City, the population grew from 3.1 million in the 1950s to 14 million in the 1980s, and today the population is estimated to be around 22 million. This rapid growth has resulted in severely poor air quality, as human activities such as burning fossil fuels and vehicle emissions have increased. In the 1980s, there were 124 cars and light-duty trucks per 1000 residents in Mexico City, and by 2010, this number had increased to 267. The increase in vehicles has resulted in greater emissions, with vehicle exhaust contributing to 75% of emissions in Mexico.
The Mexican government has recognised the severity of the country's air pollution problem and has implemented policies to combat it. One such policy is the "Hoy No Circula" programme, which restricts driving on certain days of the week based on vehicle emissions performance in a bi-annual test. However, the effectiveness of this policy has been questioned, as people may simply buy another car to drive on restricted days, rather than opting for public transportation.
The topographical location of Mexico City also plays a role in the city's poor air quality. The city is located in a basin surrounded by mountains, which creates a bowl-like effect that traps pollution. Additionally, the city's high altitude of 7382 feet above sea level results in oxygen levels that are 25% lower than at sea level.
To address the pollution problem in Mexico City, there is a need to prioritise public transport, active transport such as cycling and walking, and the expansion of bicycle accessibility. Currently, more than 3.5 million vehicles are registered in the country, with 30% of them being over 20 years old. By prioritising electric public transport and active transport, Mexico City can reduce the emissions generated by transport, which is currently the main cause of air pollution within the city centre.
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Crop burning and wildfires
Mexico has been facing severe air pollution, with over 90% of the population breathing polluted air. The country's pollution problem is exacerbated by wildfires, which have become increasingly frequent and intense due to a combination of climate change, drought, and deforestation.
In 2021, Mexico experienced its worst wildfire season in over a decade, with 2,871 wildfires burning over 73,000 hectares of land in just the first three months of the year. Climate change has played a significant role in the Mexico wildfires, with global warming drying up vegetation and creating ideal fuel for fires. The country has also been facing extensive droughts, with 82% of the country experiencing unusually dry conditions, and nearly 70% under drought, creating the perfect environment for wildfires to spread.
Deforestation and poor forest management have further contributed to the severity of the wildfires. Agricultural activities, including the use of fire to clear land for crops and cattle pasture, have been a major factor in nearly half of the fires in Mexico. The Mexican government's recent decision to cut funds to CONAFOR, the agency responsible for forest conservation and restoration, has likely exacerbated the situation.
The wildfires have had significant impacts on public health, with suffocating smoke affecting those with respiratory issues. The smoke has also reduced air quality in neighbouring regions, including Texas and Florida in the US.
To address the pollution problem, Mexico needs to prioritize sustainable mobility systems, such as electric public transport and active transport like cycling and walking, to reduce emissions from vehicles, which are currently the main cause of air pollution in city centres. Strengthening inspection and surveillance systems to prevent illegal land-use changes and deforestation is also crucial.
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Health impacts of air pollution
Air pollution is a pressing issue in Mexico, impacting the health, environment, and economy. While the country has made progress since the 1980s and 1990s, when Mexico City was deemed the "most polluted city in the world," air pollution remains a significant concern, particularly in large cities. The health impacts of air pollution in Mexico are wide-ranging and affect vulnerable populations disproportionately.
One of the most concerning health impacts of air pollution in Mexico is its contribution to premature deaths. Air pollution is the eighth-highest cause of death in the country, accounting for approximately 33,000 premature deaths annually. This figure represents about 5.9% of all deaths in Mexico. Reducing particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations to levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) could save around 10,000 lives each year.
The pollutants in Mexico City's atmosphere include primary pollutants like carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide, and secondary pollutants like sulfate and ozone. Ozone has been linked to adverse effects on the respiratory, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems. It is also associated with early death and reproductive health issues. Carbon monoxide, primarily emitted by vehicles, poses additional health risks.
The dangerous airborne particles known as PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing coughing, shortness of breath, bronchitis, respiratory infections, and heart problems. Exposure to PM2.5 is of particular concern on days with heavy smog, leading to school closures and road restrictions. High levels of PM2.5 also impact labour productivity, with workers in Mexico City losing an average of 7.5% of their working hours on days with severe PM2.5 contamination.
Indoor air pollution is another health concern in Mexico. The use of organic fuels like firewood, charcoal, and wood for cooking and heating contributes to high levels of toxic pollutants, especially in rural households with inadequate ventilation. Women and children, who spend more time indoors, are at an increased risk of exposure to these pollutants. Transitioning to cleaner fuels, such as propane (LPG), could significantly reduce indoor air pollution levels.
The health impacts of air pollution disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and poorer communities. Lower-income groups may work more on days with high pollution levels, as they cannot afford to take time off. Additionally, studies have shown that recent increases in hospital admissions for respiratory diseases are driven by municipalities with large shares of informal workers.
To mitigate the health impacts of air pollution in Mexico, continued efforts are needed from policymakers, businesses, and communities. This includes stricter regulation enforcement, the promotion of green technologies, and public awareness campaigns. By taking decisive action, Mexico can improve air quality and protect the health and well-being of its citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution is a significant issue in Mexico, causing around 5.9% of all deaths in the country. It is the eighth-largest cause of death, after factors like diet, high blood pressure, and smoking. The main sources of air pollution in Mexico are vehicle emissions, industrial growth, and the use of firewood or charcoal for cooking.
Mexico City is notorious for its poor air quality, with annual PM2.5 levels consistently above the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 10 micrograms per square meter. Other large cities in Mexico with high levels of air pollution include Puebla, Toluca, and Monterrey.
The Mexican government has implemented several policies and initiatives to reduce air pollution, including incentives for using cleaner fuels, smog control measures, and the development of clean taxis and small buses. In major urban centres, private car drivers are required to have catalytic converters or refrain from driving one day a week.
