Mexico's Air Pollution: Strategies For Clean Air

Mexico City was once labelled the world's most polluted city, with air pollution causing about 5.9% of all deaths in the country. The city's air quality has improved significantly since the 1980s and 1990s, but it still exceeds the World Health Organization's guidelines for airborne particle concentration. To tackle this issue, Mexico has implemented various initiatives, such as the National Strategy to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants, which aims to reduce black carbon emissions and address air pollution. The government has also introduced clean energy efforts, improved public transportation, and promoted active mobility options like cycling and walking. Additionally, Mexico has set a goal of zero deforestation by 2030 and is working towards improving solid waste management and energy efficiency in buildings. These efforts have already shown positive results, with a notable decrease in criteria pollutant concentrations and significant health benefits for residents.

Reducing vehicle emissions

One approach has been to improve fuel quality for both diesel and gasoline vehicles. This includes removing lead from gasoline, reducing sulphur content in diesel fuel, and reformulating liquefied petroleum gas for cooking and heating. These measures help reduce the emission of harmful pollutants and improve air quality.

Upgrading vehicle technology is another important strategy. Mexico has introduced stringent emission standards for new heavy-duty vehicles, equivalent to those in North America and the European Union. These standards, which came into effect in 2021, mandate the use of filters and soot-free technologies, significantly reducing emissions of harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Additionally, Mexico has worked to phase out outdated vehicle technologies, such as the Nissan Tsuru, which contributed to higher emissions levels.

Mexico has also promoted the use of low-emission transport systems, including electric and hybrid vehicles. Incentives such as the "Green Plate" program in Jalisco State offer financial incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles, encouraging their adoption. The country has also invested in renewable energy projects, such as installing solar panels on buildings, to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and decrease vehicle emissions.

Improving public transportation is another key aspect of reducing vehicle emissions. Mexico has introduced electric taxis, upgraded high-capacity transport systems, and implemented bike-sharing programs like Ecobici. These initiatives encourage people to opt for more sustainable modes of transportation, reducing the number of private vehicles on the road and, consequently, their emissions.

Finally, Mexico has implemented regulatory measures to control vehicular emissions. This includes the verification process for cars in CDMX, where vehicles are allowed to transit on certain days of the week based on their pollutant levels. Additionally, the country has established the Green Inspectors program, utilizing remote sensors to identify high-emitting vehicles and ensure compliance with emission standards.

Through these comprehensive strategies, Mexico is actively working towards reducing vehicle emissions and improving air quality for its citizens.

Improving public transport

Mexico has been working to improve its public transportation system to combat air pollution. The country has set ambitious targets and policies to reduce emissions, including a 25% reduction target for Black Carbon emissions in their 2015 climate change commitments. In 2017, a programme to improve air quality in Mexico City established six strategic lines and 38 actions that required the active participation of all sectors to mitigate black carbon.

Mexico City's bus rapid transit (BRT) network, Metrobus, was introduced to reduce congestion, increase transport efficiency, and cut air-polluting emissions. The BRT system has been successful in reducing emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOX), and particulate matter (PM10).

To promote the use of public transportation, the city has been working to improve the overall efficiency of the transportation systems. This includes upgrading high-capacity, low-emission transport systems, improving the maintenance and inspection of private vehicles, and implementing a bus rapid transit system. The city has also been working to improve fuel quality for both diesel and gasoline, and promoting the use of non-polluting means of transport such as electric taxis and bicycles.

In addition, the city has implemented an air quality forecasting system to alert the public to high pollution events 24 hours in advance. This system provides comprehensive information on emissions and the transport of pollutants, contributing to the design of current air quality management programs.

The Mexican government has also set a goal of achieving zero deforestation by 2030, which will help to reduce the pollution problem in the city.

Reducing black carbon

Black carbon is an air pollutant that is harmful to human health and contributes to climate change. It is produced during the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and biomass, and its emissions are particularly associated with diesel vehicles, household cooking and heating, industrial processes, and wildfires.

Mexico has implemented several measures to reduce black carbon emissions and improve air quality. As a founding member of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), Mexico passed the General Law on Climate Change in 2012, creating a legal obligation to address short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). The country set ambitious targets, including a 25% reduction in black carbon emissions by 2015, which could increase to 40% with international support.

In 2019, Mexico launched a National Strategy to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants, which included nine mitigation measures across sectors such as transport, energy, and industry. Mexico City, in particular, has been at the forefront of the fight against air pollution due to its geographical location, which makes it prone to trapping pollutants. The city has implemented clean energy initiatives, such as removing lead from gasoline, reducing sulphur content in diesel fuel, and improving public transportation by introducing electric taxis and low-emission buses.

To further reduce black carbon emissions, Mexico can focus on the following strategies:

• Prioritize public transportation: Mexico can continue to prioritize the development and improvement of public transportation systems, such as efficient mass transit options, including electric and hybrid vehicles. This will help reduce emissions from private vehicles, which are a significant source of black carbon.
• Reduce vehicle emissions: Implementing stricter emission standards and regulations for vehicles, especially diesel engines, can effectively reduce black carbon emissions. This includes regular vehicle inspections and surveillance programs to identify high-emitting vehicles and ensure compliance with emission standards.
• Improve fuel quality: Mexico can continue its efforts to improve the quality of diesel and gasoline fuel, reducing the sulphur content and other impurities that contribute to black carbon emissions.
• Promote renewable energy: Investing in renewable power projects, such as installing photovoltaic panels and solar water heating systems, can help reduce the country's reliance on fossil fuels and decrease black carbon emissions.
• Solid waste management: Efficient solid waste management practices, such as landfill gas recovery for clean energy production, can not only reduce air pollution but also contribute to the country's renewable energy initiatives.
• International collaboration: Working closely with international organizations and agreements, such as the Paris Agreement and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, can provide access to resources, expertise, and support to enhance Mexico's efforts in reducing black carbon emissions.

By implementing these strategies and continuing its commitment to reducing black carbon emissions, Mexico can make significant progress in improving air quality and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Improving fuel quality

Mexico has implemented a variety of clean energy efforts, including improving fuel quality for both diesel and gasoline. This has involved removing lead from gasoline and reducing the sulphur content in diesel fuel. These improvements in fuel quality are an important part of Mexico's efforts to tackle air pollution and improve air quality, particularly in Mexico City.

The Mexican government has been working on improving air quality since the 1990s, when the UN and WHO declared Mexico City the world's most polluted city. This led to the implementation of the PROAIRE process, a multiphase government program that included closing fuel refineries, adding catalytic converters to cars, and introducing "No-Drive Days". Since then, Mexico City has continued to implement clean energy efforts and improve fuel quality, with support from organizations like the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).

One of the key strategies to improve fuel quality in Mexico has been the development and enforcement of fuel quality standards. In 2016, Fuel Quality standards were introduced to limit the amount of sulphur in gasoline and diesel fuel. These standards have played an important role in reducing emissions and improving air quality. Additionally, Mexico has worked to reduce the use of high-polluting vehicles and promote the use of electric and hybrid vehicles. This includes the implementation of a verification process for vehicles in Mexico City, where vehicles are allowed to transit on certain days of the week based on their emissions levels.

Another important aspect of improving fuel quality in Mexico is the reduction of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). Mexico has set ambitious targets for reducing SLCP emissions, including a 25% reduction target for Black Carbon emissions in their 2015 climate change commitments. In 2019, Mexico launched a National Strategy to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants, which includes measures across various sectors such as transport, energy, and agriculture. By addressing SLCP emissions, Mexico is not only improving fuel quality but also mitigating climate change and improving local air quality.

Furthermore, Mexico has also focused on improving the efficiency of vehicles and promoting the use of alternative fuels. This includes equipping buses with newer diesel technologies, introducing electric and hybrid taxis, and providing incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles through the "Green Plate" program. Additionally, Mexico has implemented programs to improve solid waste management and energy efficiency in buildings, further contributing to the reduction of air pollution and the improvement of fuel quality.

Increasing green spaces

Mexico has implemented various strategies to tackle air pollution, and increasing green spaces is one of the key approaches. The country has acknowledged the importance of green spaces in mitigating air pollution and has taken steps to incorporate them into its environmental initiatives.

In 2017, Campeche joined the BreatheLife campaign, focusing on sustainable development measures that include increasing green spaces, improving bicycle accommodation, and creating walking paths. This initiative recognizes the potential of green spaces in enhancing air quality and promoting sustainable modes of transportation.

Mexico City, the country's most populous city, has also prioritized increasing green spaces as a strategy to combat air pollution. The city has implemented climate change strategic programs that include the development of green energy initiatives, such as installing solar panels on public and private buildings. This approach not only helps reduce air pollution but also contributes to energy efficiency and the sustainable development of natural resources.

The benefits of increasing green spaces go beyond air pollution reduction. Urban green spaces, such as street trees, parks, and green roofs, can help lower temperatures in urban areas, reducing the demand for air conditioning and promoting energy sustainability. Additionally, green spaces have been shown to have positive effects on mental and physical health, potentially improving immune functioning.

While the impact of green spaces on air pollution reduction may vary depending on regional factors and the scale of green spaces, empirical evidence suggests that increasing green spaces significantly decreases PM2.5 concentrations and other air pollutants. Vegetation and green spaces have reductive effects on airborne pollutant concentrations, especially particulate matter (PM).

Overall, increasing green spaces is a vital component of Mexico's strategy to improve air quality and enhance the well-being of its citizens. By incorporating nature into the urban landscape, Mexico is taking a holistic approach to tackling air pollution and creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for its population.

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