Kiera Jefferson
The United States and Mexico share a border and have a history of pollution issues. While the two countries have taken steps to address pollution, there are still ongoing challenges. For instance, the New River (Río Nuevo), which flows between the two countries, is considered the most polluted waterway in North America, causing severe health and environmental issues. In addition, US companies have been accused of sending hazardous waste to Mexico, contributing to a “toxic cocktail” of pollution. Both countries face air pollution issues, with Mexico City earning the title of the world's most polluted city in the past. The topographical locations of cities in both countries play a role in trapping pollution. Furthermore, the expansion of livestock and agriculture has led to deforestation, and indoor air pollution is a concern in both countries, often caused by the use of organic fuels for cooking and heating.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollution | Mexico City was ranked 48th dirtiest city out of 98 in 2019. |
| The main cause of air pollution in Mexico is emissions from vehicles with obsolete technology and a lack of mandatory I/M programs. | |
| The US has stricter environmental protection laws. | |
| The topographical location of Mexico City contributes to the air pollution problem. | |
| The use of organic fuels for cooking and heating is a significant source of indoor air pollution in both countries. | |
| Water pollution | The New River (Río Nuevo) between the US and Mexico is considered the most polluted waterway in North America. |
| The river is contaminated with treated and untreated municipal, industrial, and agricultural waste containing pesticides, toxic metals, noxious bacteria, and disease strains. | |
| Hazardous waste | The US has sent hazardous waste to Mexico, contributing to a "toxic cocktail" of pollution in the country. |
| US steel plants ship electric arc furnace dust, containing zinc and other heavy metals, to a facility in northern Mexico for processing. | |
| Lead levels in the soil and dust around industrial plants in Mexico have been found to be significantly higher than US health risk thresholds. |
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What You'll Learn
Hazardous waste from the US is sent to Mexico
The US and Mexico share a border, and both countries experience air pollution. In 2019, Mexico was ranked as the 48th dirtiest city out of 98, and in the same year, wildfires were a contributing factor to the pollution in Mexico City. The city's location in a basin surrounded by mountains, coupled with its high altitude, makes it a place where pollution is easily trapped.
The US also sends hazardous waste to Mexico, which has further exacerbated pollution issues in the country. In 2022, US companies shipped 1.4 million tons of hazardous waste to Mexico, Canada, and South Korea. Mexico received nearly half of all the hazardous waste exported by the US in 2022, including steel dust and lead batteries. This waste is processed by a company called Zinc Nacional in Monterrey, which has been linked to high levels of lead, cadmium, and arsenic in nearby homes and schools.
Zinc Nacional has been accused of improperly storing hazardous waste, with Mexican authorities ordering the company to take "urgent measures" to get the materials into proper storage. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also expressed concern over the lack of oversight and regulation of hazardous waste once it leaves US borders.
The export of hazardous waste from the US to Mexico has raised concerns about possible impacts on health and the environment. Environmental management in Mexico has been described as outdated and inadequate, with key standards that regulate industrial emissions not reflecting the latest scientific knowledge on pollutant effects on human health. Budget cuts to the agency responsible for environmental inspection and enforcement, Profepa, have further hindered their capacity to oversee and enforce regulations.
The shipment of hazardous waste from the US to Mexico highlights the disparities in environmental regulations and enforcement between the two countries. While the US has strict regulations for processing and disposing of hazardous waste domestically, it faces challenges in ensuring the safe handling of waste exported to other countries. This situation has led to criticism and scrutiny of the practices of both the US and Mexico in managing hazardous waste and addressing pollution.
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Air pollution in Mexico City
There are several factors that contribute to the poor air quality in Mexico City. One of the main causes is the rapid industrialization and urbanization that occurred during the 20th century, which led to a population boom. The proliferation of vehicles and the increase in industrial growth have also played a significant role. The geographical location of the city in a valley, surrounded by mountains, also contributes to the problem as it minimizes the diffusion of pollutants in the atmosphere. The low oxygen levels at the city's high altitude cause deficiencies in the internal combustion processes of engines. Carbon-based fuels also do not combust completely, further adding to the pollution.
The Mexican government has implemented various measures to improve air quality in Mexico City. In the 1980s, natural gas began to replace fuel oil in industry and thermoelectric power generation. The government also introduced a "Cars don't circulate" programme, which eliminated about one-fifth of the cars on rotating days between Monday and Friday. Higher-quality unleaded fuel was made available, and stricter emissions standards were established through the use of catalytic converters. More recently, the government has focused on expanding public transportation, increasing green areas, and promoting bicycle accessibility.
These efforts have led to significant improvements in air quality. By 2021, Mexico City had dropped to the 917th most polluted city in the world, according to IQAir. The levels of ozone and other air pollutants had decreased to levels similar to those in Los Angeles. Despite this improvement, Mexico City still faces challenges in reducing air pollution, especially from transportation emissions, which remain the main cause of air pollution in the city centre.
In summary, air pollution in Mexico City has been a long-standing issue due to industrialization, urbanization, and geographical factors. However, through government interventions, public transportation improvements, and emissions controls, the city has made notable progress in improving air quality in recent years.
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Water pollution in Mexico
Mexico's water crisis is a complex issue that has affected millions of people across the country, from Mexico City to other metropolitan and rural areas. The scarcity of potable water has become a pressing concern, requiring immediate attention and effective solutions.
One of the main causes of water scarcity in Mexico is the overexploitation of water resources due to population growth and internal migration towards arid and semi-arid regions. In 2006, 63% of Mexican water was extracted from surface water, such as rivers or lakes, with the remaining 37% coming from aquifers. According to the National Water Commission, groundwater over-extraction has reached almost 40% of total groundwater use, leading to concerns about the negative impacts on the environment and long-term water availability.
The quality of water in Mexico is also a significant concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 2 billion people worldwide drink water contaminated by excreta, exposing themselves to diseases such as cholera, hepatitis A, and dysentery. In Mexico, inadequate drinking water quality and wastewater treatment further exacerbate the water crisis. While Mexico has made progress in increasing access to piped water supply and improved sanitation in urban and rural areas, a lack of ongoing investment has slowed progress in providing safe water to low-income communities. More than half of Mexican households with access to piped water receive intermittent services, and Mexico currently has the highest per capita consumption of bottled water worldwide, indicating the lack of reliable access to safe drinking water.
The Mexican government, through the National Water Commission (Conagua), is taking steps to address the water crisis. It plans to invest 93.55 billion pesos (approximately 5 billion euros) in fifteen priority water projects, including the construction of dams, aqueducts, and irrigation districts. These projects aim to tackle drought and water scarcity in various regions, such as the El Cuchillo II Aqueduct in Nuevo León and the Santa María Dam in Sinaloa. Additionally, organizations like Water.org are working to empower financial institutions and expand access to safe water through initiatives such as WaterCredit.
To summarize, Mexico's water crisis is a multifaceted issue involving water scarcity, inadequate water quality, and insufficient infrastructure. The government and non-governmental organizations are implementing measures to address these challenges, but long-term sustainable management, ongoing infrastructure investment, and public awareness of water conservation remain crucial for ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
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Wildfires in Mexico
Mexico has faced a significant number of wildfires in recent years, with 2021 being the country's worst wildfire season in over a decade. Between January and March of 2021, Mexico recorded 2,871 wildfires, burning 73,459 hectares of land, according to the National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR). Some of the worst blazes occurred in Nuevo León, the country's second-largest city, as well as protected natural areas like the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park.
The uptick in wildfires in Mexico has been driven by several factors. Firstly, the country's location and climate make it susceptible to dry conditions and droughts, which provide the perfect fuel for fires. Indeed, 2021 saw one of the most intense droughts in decades, with nearly 85% of the country classified as "dangerously dry." This was exacerbated by scorching temperatures, with some southern states recording average temperatures of 33-36°C during March, April, and May.
Secondly, human activities and negligence have played a significant role in starting and spreading wildfires. For example, a grill left behind after a family barbecue in March 2021 caused a fire that affected over 12,000 hectares in the states of Nuevo León and Coahuila. Agricultural activities, such as the use of fire for land clearing, have also been a major contributor, with strong winds sometimes causing these controlled burns to spread uncontrollably. Poor forest management, deforestation, and land conversion for agriculture and livestock have further exacerbated the problem, reducing the land's ability to retain water and making it more fire-prone.
Additionally, climate change has undeniably influenced the increase in wildfires. Global warming dries up vegetation, creating ideal conditions for fires, and lengthens wildfire seasons, making them more intense and faster-spreading. The extensive deforestation and land conversion in Mexico have further contributed to the problem.
The wildfires in Mexico have had significant impacts on the environment, wildlife, and nearby communities. There are concerns that these fires could cross the border into the United States, affecting areas like the Rio Grande Valley. Mexico has set a goal of achieving zero deforestation by 2030 and is working to modify mobility systems to prioritize public and active transport, reducing transport emissions, and tackling the pollution problem at its source.
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Deforestation in Mexico
Mexico is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with Meso-American rainforests, mangrove swamps, cloud and evergreen forests, alpine habitats, and vast deserts. However, Mexico is facing severe deforestation issues, with one-third of its land area already severely degraded. Deforestation in Mexico is primarily driven by changes in land use for the expansion of livestock and agriculture. Every year, approximately 47,770 hectares of forest cover are converted into agricultural land, threatening the habitats and ecosystems of the country's diverse flora and fauna.
In recent years, the municipality of Hopelchén has lost 153,809 hectares of tree cover, and other regions, such as Othón P. Blanco in Quintana Roo, have witnessed the transformation of jungles into sugar cane fields. Deforestation is also associated with the growing demand for certain crops, such as soybeans, African palm, and avocado. The expansion of avocado orchards in southern Jalisco has received particular attention due to concerns about the environmental impact of deforestation.
The Mexican government has implemented laws prohibiting the clearing of land with forest cover without authorization from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). However, it is estimated that around 90% of registered changes in land use are made illegally. To achieve its goal of zero deforestation by 2030, Mexico must strengthen its inspection and surveillance systems and prioritize sustainable practices.
The loss of forests in Mexico has far-reaching consequences. It negatively impacts the country's biodiversity, increases vulnerability to natural disasters, reduces water resource availability and quality, contributes to the spread of vector-borne diseases, accelerates species extinction, and decreases crop harvests, affecting food security. Additionally, communities dependent on forests for livelihoods are facing job losses in the fishing and agricultural sectors, leading to social marginalization and poverty.
To address these challenges, Mexico has launched several initiatives to support the restoration agenda, including the Diagnosis of Priority Sites for Restoration and the National Biodiversity Strategy of Mexico and Action Plan 2016-2030. The formation of the Mexican Alliance for Ecosystem Restoration (AMERE), a coalition of civil society organizations, also demonstrates a commitment to conserving and restoring the country's forests.
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Frequently asked questions
Both countries experience pollution from cargo transportation and vehicles. The geographical locations of certain cities in both countries also contribute to high pollution levels.
Vehicles are a major source of air pollution in Mexico City, with over 700,000 cargo transportation units registered. The cars in Mexico City are of poorer quality than those in the USA, and they create 8-10 times more pollution. However, the USA also faces issues with highly polluting steel plants.
Mexico City is located in a valley, which minimizes the diffusion of pollutants in the atmosphere when wind intensity decreases. Similarly, the topographical location of Mexico City, situated in a basin surrounded by mountains, contributes to trapping pollution. The USA also experiences this issue, with the New River, which crosses the border between the two countries, being considered the most polluted waterway in North America.
Long-term exposure to air pollutants in both countries can lead to watery eyes, cough, throat irritation, heart disease, cerebrovascular infarctions, lung diseases, and cancer in adults. It is also associated with acute respiratory diseases in minors, such as asthma. Additionally, toxic waste and heavy metal pollution in Mexico, exacerbated by the USA's export of hazardous waste, have resulted in lead levels 60 times higher than the US health risk threshold, posing severe health risks.
