Mexico's Air Pollution: Strategies For A Cleaner Future

Mexico City has long struggled with air pollution, which peaked in the 1980s and 1990s. The city's high altitude, rapid population growth, industrialisation, and proliferation of vehicles have all contributed to this issue. However, Mexico has implemented various measures to combat air pollution, including the Management Programme to Improve Air Quality (Proaire) and the Hoy No Circula policy, which restricts vehicle usage. The country has also worked with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to address short-lived climate pollutants and set ambitious targets for reducing Black Carbon emissions. These efforts have led to significant improvements in air quality, with Mexico City dropping to the 917th most polluted city in the world in 2021.

Reducing emissions from vehicles

Mexico has been taking steps to reduce its emissions, with a focus on vehicle emissions, which account for 75% of emissions in the country. In 2022, the country announced its aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030, with a target of 50% of zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales for cars and vans in the same year. This is a significant increase from the previous goal of a 22% reduction.

To achieve this, Mexico has been incentivising the use of electric vehicles. The country has the most extensive EV charging infrastructure in Latin America, with almost 2,100 charging stations. The government has also introduced tax breaks for electric car owners, such as income tax deductions and annual vehicle tax and registration tax exemptions. These incentives have led to a 165% increase in electric car sales in the first half of 2022 compared to 2021, with almost 4,000 electric passenger cars sold. However, electric vehicles still only make up 0.3% of new car sales, and faster public charger deployment is needed to meet the Paris Agreement goals.

Mexico has also been working to improve public transportation, with initiatives such as introducing electric taxis and equipping buses with newer, cleaner diesel technologies. The country has also set goals to accelerate the transition to battery-electric vehicles and implement low-emission zones. In 2018, Mexico City joined other cities in pledging to ban diesel vehicles by 2025. The city has also restricted older, high-emitting vehicles from driving within city limits on certain days.

In addition to these efforts, Mexico has been involved in international partnerships to reduce emissions. The country was a partner in the 2013 Global Strategy to Introduce Low Sulfur Fuels and Cleaner Diesel Vehicles, which aims to reduce small particulate and black carbon emissions from vehicles by over 90% by 2030. Mexico has also been working to reduce methane emissions, developing federal regulations for the oil and gas sector, and participating in gas flaring technology demonstrations.

Reducing emissions from factories

Mexico has taken several steps to reduce emissions from factories and improve air quality. As a founding member of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), Mexico has recognised the importance of mitigating short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) to tackle air pollution and near-term climate change. In 2012, the country passed the General Law on Climate Change, creating a legal obligation to address SLCPs. Mexico has also set ambitious targets, such as 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, aiming to improve local air quality while reducing near-term temperature increases. As part of this strategy, Mexico has focused on reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, becoming the first country in Latin America to develop and implement federal regulations for this purpose. Mexico has issued guidelines and held workshops to help industry leaders understand and implement the country's Methane Guidelines.

Additionally, Mexico has taken steps to modernise the brick-making sector and reduce SLCP emissions. In 2018, the country prepared a study on developing a business model to modernise traditional brick production methods and reduce emissions. Mexico has also developed the first low-emission multi-chamber kiln for the artisanal brick sector in areas affected by the 2017 earthquake.

To promote sustainable practices in industries, the Energy Regulatory Commission has introduced emission factors for the calculation of indirect greenhouse gas emissions. This reporting of emissions from industries to the government helps create awareness among companies about their environmental impact and encourages them to adopt specific measures and technologies to reduce their carbon footprint.

Furthermore, Mexico has implemented the "Hoy No Circula" policy, which requires all vehicles in Mexico City and the state of Mexico to undergo emissions testing every six months. This policy helps identify and regulate underperforming vehicles, reducing their impact on air quality.

While Mexico has made significant progress in reducing emissions from factories and improving air quality, there is still work to be done to align with long-term net-zero targets. By progressively increasing carbon prices and implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Mexico can continue to improve its air quality and meet its climate commitments.

Reducing emissions from fuel

Mexico has taken several steps to reduce emissions from fuel. The country has been involved in the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), partnering in the 2013 Global Strategy to Introduce Low Sulfur Fuels and Cleaner Diesel Vehicles. This strategy aims to reduce small particulate and black carbon emissions from cars, buses, and trucks by over 90% by 2030. Mexico City has also implemented a range of clean energy efforts, including removing lead from gasoline, reducing sulphur content in diesel fuel, and reformulating liquified petroleum gas for cooking and heating.

In 2016, Fuel Quality standards limited sulphur in gasoline and diesel fuel. The city has also been working to improve public transportation by introducing newer diesel technologies for buses and electric taxis. Mexico City joined the BreatheLife campaign in 2018, establishing an air quality monitoring system and an emissions inventory. Additionally, the city has implemented the "Hoy No Circula" policy, which requires all vehicles to undergo emissions testing every six months and restricts the circulation of underperforming vehicles.

Mexico has also been taking steps to reduce emissions from ships. In collaboration with the United States and Canada through the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), Mexico has been working on developing a Mexican ECA designation proposal to the IMO. The country has also participated in fuel-switching demonstrations, showing the benefits of ships switching to lower-sulfur fuels near land. These efforts are in line with international standards that aim to reduce emissions from ships and bring important benefits for human health.

Despite these efforts, Mexico's climate policies have been criticised for prioritising fossil fuel use and dismantling climate-related institutions and policies. The country's updated 2030 target (NDC) under the Paris Agreement has been described as "critically insufficient", with emissions projected to continue rising. Mexico is also building new oil refineries and continuing to subsidise the use of fossil fuels in the transport sector. However, it is important to note that Mexico has also taken steps to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, becoming the first country in Latin America to develop and implement federal regulations for this purpose.

Improving public transportation

Mexico has made significant strides in reducing air pollution in Mexico City, dropping from the most polluted city in the world to 917th. However, air pollution remains a pressing issue, with over 90% of the population breathing polluted air. To further reduce air pollution, improving public transportation is crucial.

Public transportation plays a vital role in building sustainable cities and reducing air pollution. In Mexico, efforts to enhance public transport systems have been undertaken at various government levels. For example, the federal government approved the General Law of Mobility and Road Safety (LGMSV), prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists over motorized transport. Additionally, the "Transition towards a Sustainable, Integrated, and Smart Public Transport in Mexico" (TranSIT) project aims to improve the quality and efficiency of public transport.

One successful initiative to improve public transportation and reduce air pollution in Mexico City is the introduction of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). The BRT network, Metrobus, began operating in 2005, aiming to reduce congestion and cut air-polluting emissions. The BRT system has been effective in reducing emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM10). The implementation of BRT has also helped improve transport efficiency and reduce congestion, which contributes to lowering air pollution levels.

To further enhance public transportation in Mexico, several key areas require attention. These include efficiency, digitalization, social inclusion, safety, and sustainability. By addressing these aspects, Mexico can disincentivize the use of private motorized vehicles, which are a significant source of air pollution, especially in urban areas. Encouraging the use of public transport can contribute significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.

Moreover, the topographical location of Mexico City, situated in a basin surrounded by mountains, naturally traps air pollutants. This unique geography underscores the importance of implementing effective public transportation measures to mitigate air pollution. By improving public transportation, Mexico City can reduce the number of vehicles on the road, thereby lowering emissions and improving air quality for its residents.

Reducing indoor air pollution

Ventilation

Ventilation is key to promoting healthy indoor air. Opening windows and doors, when the weather permits, can encourage a good exchange of indoor and outdoor air. Natural ventilation can be supported by mechanical means, such as outdoor air intakes associated with the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. However, when there are outdoor sources of pollutants, such as smoke, it is important to carefully evaluate the use of ventilation to avoid bringing in more contaminants.

Source Control

The most effective way to improve indoor air quality is often to eliminate individual sources of pollution or reduce their emissions. For example, sources containing asbestos can be sealed or enclosed, and gas stoves can be adjusted to decrease emissions. In some cases, increasing ventilation can be costly and inefficient, making source control a more viable option.

Air Purifiers

While air purifiers alone cannot remove all indoor air impurities, they can be beneficial in conjunction with other efforts to keep allergens and pollutants out of the home. For instance, running an air purifier in the bedroom of a child with asthma may be beneficial.

Minimize Carpeting

Carpets can trap pollutants like dust mites, pet dander, mould spores, and other allergens. Instead, opt for hard-surface flooring, which is less likely to trap these contaminants.

Reduce Moisture

Moisture can contribute to mould growth, so using a dehumidifier and regularly cleaning its filter can help reduce mould spores in the air.

Safe Chemical Storage

Store chemicals, solvents, glues, and pesticides away from living areas. When possible, opt for homemade cleaning products, such as a mixture of white vinegar and water, or choose cleaning products that are safer for human health and the environment.

Smoke-Free Environment

Secondhand smoke is detrimental to respiratory health and has been linked to lung cancer in nonsmokers. Creating a smoke-free environment indoors is crucial for improving indoor air quality.

Minimize Scented Products

Avoid the use of strongly scented products, such as air fresheners, and cleaning products with pine or citrus scents, as these can react with ozone to form particles and formaldehyde.

Use Ventilation with Outdoor Air

When purchasing building materials or furnishings, look for labels that indicate low emissions, such as "California Phase II Compliant" or "TSCA Title VI Compliant." This helps minimize the release of pollutants indoors.

Regular Maintenance of Gas Appliances

Have gas heaters and stoves checked annually by professionals to ensure they are functioning properly and are vented to the outdoors, preventing a buildup of carbon monoxide and other air pollutants.

By implementing these strategies, individuals can significantly reduce indoor air pollution, creating healthier living environments for themselves and their families.

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