Bronte Wells
Mexico, the 11th-most climate-polluting country in the world, has implemented a variety of measures to tackle pollution. Recognising the severity of air pollution in the 80s and 90s, the Mexican government implemented policies to combat air pollution, including the Hoy No Circula programme, which restricts the use of vehicles on certain days. Mexico City, once the world's most polluted city, has since slashed air pollution levels by half, adding an average of 3.2 to 3.4 years to the life expectancy of its citizens. The country has also worked with the CCAC on initiatives to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change, and has outlined plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. However, Mexico's climate pollution has risen about 33% above 2000 levels, and the government's climate policy record has been inconsistent, with a continued prioritisation of domestic fossil fuel resources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollution ranking | Ranked 917th in 2022, previously the most polluted city in the world |
| Air quality | Severe in the 80s and 90s, with birds found dead due to toxic air pollution |
| Population | 22 million |
| Pollutants | Ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and airborne particles |
| Causes | Burning fossil fuels in power plants, vehicle emissions, unregulated factories, power plants, and oil refineries |
| Topography | Located in a basin where air pollutants are trapped |
| Government response | Implemented policies such as "Hoy No Circula" to restrict vehicle use and improve air quality |
| International cooperation | Worked with CCAC on initiatives like SNAP to create a national planning exercise on SLCP mitigation |
| Climate targets | Adopted a voluntary climate mitigation target in 2008, aiming for a 30% reduction in climate pollution by 2020 and 50% by 2050 |
| Clean energy efforts | Removed lead from gasoline, reduced sulphur content in diesel fuel, closed an oil refinery, and improved public transportation |
| Water treatment | Operates potable water treatment plants, municipal wastewater treatment plants, and industrial wastewater treatment plants |
| Waste management | 47 waste treatment plants for separation, recycling, crushing, compaction, composting, and biodigestion |
| Hazardous waste regulation | Mexican technical regulation (NOM 87) for hazardous waste management |
| ProAire programs | 29 programs covering 27 federal entities and 105.2 million inhabitants to address air pollution |
| U.S. involvement | U.S. companies provide competitive products and services in water resources and environmental technologies |
| Deforestation | Lost 262,000 hectares of natural forest in 2018 due to agriculture and livestock expansion, with a goal of zero deforestation by 2030 |
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What You'll Learn
Mexico City's government implemented policies to combat air pollution
Mexico City's air pollution reached its peak in the 1980s and 1990s, with ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and airborne particles at record levels. The city's topography, located in a basin where air pollutants are trapped, did not favour its industrialisation. Recognising the severity of the issue, the Mexico City government understood the importance of reducing air pollution to protect public health and economic development. As a result, they implemented policies to combat air pollution, including the "Hoy No Circula" programme, which restricted vehicle usage based on registration plates.
The Metropolitan Environment Commission (CAMe) was formed to tackle pollution through joint measures between the Mexico City government and the federal district. Proaire, a programme within CAMe, applied new restrictions on fuels, limiting vapour pressure, olefins, aromatics, benzene, and sulphur. This led to the introduction of premium fuel by the state-owned oil company, Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex). Proaire also oversaw the renovation of taxis and minibuses, aiming to improve public transportation and reduce emissions.
Mexico City joined the BreatheLife initiative in 2018, establishing an air quality monitoring system and an emissions inventory. The city implemented clean energy efforts, including removing lead from gasoline, reducing sulphur in diesel fuel, closing an oil refinery, and reformulating liquified petroleum gas for cooking and heating. They also introduced electric taxis and used green inspectors and remote sensors to identify high-emitting vehicles.
Additionally, Mexico has worked with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) on various initiatives, including the SNAP programme for national planning on short-lived climate pollutant mitigation. Mexico participated in the 2013 Global Strategy to Introduce Low Sulfur Fuels and Cleaner Diesel Vehicles, aiming to reduce emissions from cars, buses, and trucks. While Mexico has shown commitment through these initiatives, its progress has been inconsistent, with a recent focus on domestic fossil fuel resources.
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The country is working with CCAC to reduce emissions
Mexico has been working closely with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to reduce emissions and tackle pollution. In 2019, Mexico launched its National Strategy to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants, aiming to improve air quality and reduce the impacts of climate change. This strategy includes nine mitigation measures across eight key sectors, such as transport, brick kilns, and solid waste. By implementing this strategy, Mexico expects to reduce black carbon emissions by 51-53% by 2030 and methane emissions by 9%, contributing significantly to its goal of reducing total greenhouse gas emissions by 22% by 2030 under the Paris Agreement.
Mexico has also participated in the CCAC's Supporting National Planning for Action on Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SNAP) initiative, which helps coordinate SLCP mitigation activities across various government ministries, agencies, and research institutions. As part of this initiative, Mexico conducted extensive consultations to identify primary emissions sources and data gaps, leading to the creation of a national SLCP inventory. Mexico's Special Programme on Climate Change, launched in 2014, has a particular focus on SLCP reductions.
The country has also been active in the CCAC's gas flaring technology demonstrations, which aim to reduce methane emissions. Additionally, Mexico City has implemented several clean energy initiatives, such as removing lead from gasoline, reducing sulphur content in diesel fuel, and closing an oil refinery. The city is also working to improve public transportation by adopting newer diesel technologies and introducing electric taxis.
In 2020, Mexico, with CCAC support, developed the first low-emission multi-chamber kiln for the artisanal brick sector in areas affected by the 2017 earthquake. This project aimed to reduce SLCP emissions from the traditional brick-making industry. Furthermore, Mexico has been addressing water pollution and the need for advanced technologies in solid waste management. The country operates numerous wastewater treatment plants, and the market for water and wastewater sub-sectors is expected to grow.
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Mexico has a technical regulation for hazardous waste
Mexico has implemented a range of policies to combat air pollution and improve environmental standards. Notably, Mexico City, once the world's most polluted city, has seen a significant improvement in air quality in recent decades.
One of the key policies is the Mexican technical regulation for hazardous waste, known as NOM 87. This regulation establishes guidelines for the proper management of hazardous waste, covering its separation, packaging, storage, collection, transportation, treatment, and final disposal. The regulation is designed to prevent pollution and protect public health.
Under NOM 87, large generators of hazardous waste are required to develop and implement a management plan with waste recovery as a key objective. This plan must include specific activities for waste recovery and ensure that recoverable or recyclable waste is not mixed with non-recyclable waste. Facilities generating hazardous waste are permitted to store it on-site for up to six months, after which proper disposal is required. If a separate company is engaged for waste storage, authorisation from the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) is mandatory.
SEMARNAT plays a crucial role in hazardous waste management. It maintains a list of authorised companies that provide hazardous waste management services, ensuring compliance with relevant laws. Additionally, SEMARNAT requires technical reports before hazardous waste recycling can be carried out on-site, and it grants authorisations for processes that may produce dangerous pollutants.
The Mexican Regulation for the Land Transport of Hazardous Materials and Wastes, published in 1993, provides further guidelines for the transportation of hazardous materials within Mexico. This regulation is supported by the Official Mexican Standards (Normas Oficiales Mexicanas or NOMs), which are published and maintained by the Mexican Secretariat for Communications and Transport (SCT). These standards aim to ensure safe transportation practices and align with international recommendations, such as the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
Mexico's efforts to tackle hazardous waste management and pollution reduction demonstrate its commitment to environmental sustainability and public health.
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The government is taking steps to reduce climate pollution
In the 1990s, a coordinated action plan was introduced, which included the ProAire programme. ProAire is a collaborative initiative between private enterprises, government bodies, and NGOs, aiming to improve air quality and reduce emissions. This programme has overseen the renovation of Mexico City's taxi and minibus fleet and the development of the Metrobús network.
Mexico has also worked with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) on various initiatives, including the SNAP (Supporting National Planning for Action on Short-Lived Climate Pollutants) initiative, which focuses on SLCP mitigation. Mexico's Special Programme on Climate Change was launched in 2014 with a similar emphasis on SLCP reductions. Additionally, Mexico participated in the 2013 Global Strategy to introduce low-sulphur fuels and cleaner diesel vehicles, aiming to reduce particulate and black carbon emissions from vehicles by over 90% by 2030.
In 2018, Mexico outlined its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and short-lived climate pollutants, with specific actions proposed for sectors like oil and gas, transport, waste, and agriculture. Mexico City has also contributed to these efforts by implementing clean energy initiatives, such as removing lead from gasoline, reducing sulphur in diesel fuel, and improving public transportation with newer diesel technologies and electric taxis.
Furthermore, Mexico is addressing water pollution and water resource challenges. The state of Jalisco, for example, operates numerous water treatment plants, and the market for water and wastewater sub-sectors is expected to grow. Mexico is also tackling solid waste management, with 47 waste treatment plants implementing processes like separation, recycling, and composting.
While Mexico has made some progress, challenges remain, particularly in the transportation sector, where electric vehicles have a low adoption rate. Additionally, the government's climate policy record has been inconsistent, with a recent focus on domestic fossil fuel resources.
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Mexico has a goal of zero deforestation by 2030
Mexico has implemented various initiatives to tackle pollution, particularly focusing on air pollution and waste management. Recognizing the severity of air pollution in the 1980s and 1990s, the Mexican government implemented policies to address the issue. Notably, Mexico City's "Hoy No Circula" policy restricted vehicle usage, contributing to the significant improvement in air quality.
Mexico has also collaborated with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) on multiple initiatives, including the SNAP (Supporting National Planning for action on short-lived climate pollutants) initiative, which aims to reduce short-lived climate pollutants. Mexico's Special Programme on Climate Change, launched in 2014, focuses on SLCP reductions. Additionally, Mexico participated in the 2013 Global Strategy to introduce low-sulfur fuels and cleaner diesel vehicles, targeting a reduction of small particulate and black carbon emissions from vehicles.
In 2018, Mexico outlined its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change through the Sixth National Communication on Climate Change. The country also published the 2018 Short-lived Climate Forcers report, emphasizing the importance of SLCP mitigation. Mexico is taking steps toward net-zero emissions, with a focus on improving energy efficiency and reducing short-lived climate pollutants.
Mexico has expressed its goal of achieving net-zero deforestation by 2030, aiming to meet its international environmental commitments. Nearly half of Mexico is covered by forests, amounting to 88 million hectares. However, due to factors such as agriculture expansion, cattle ranching, illegal logging, fires, and urban expansion, Mexico loses an average of 280,000 hectares of forest annually. To support this goal, USAID assists Mexico in addressing illegal logging and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through economic incentives. They also partner with the private sector to help small farmers access markets that value environmental stewardship.
To achieve its goal of zero deforestation, Mexico can implement several strategies. Firstly, strengthening law enforcement and monitoring to combat illegal logging and encroachment into protected forest areas is essential. This includes increasing patrols, utilizing technology for surveillance, and imposing strict penalties for illegal activities. Secondly, providing economic incentives and alternative livelihood options for communities dependent on deforestation practices can help reduce their reliance on unsustainable activities. This could involve promoting sustainable agriculture practices, eco-tourism, or other green industries. Thirdly, promoting sustainable land management practices, such as agroforestry, reforestation, and community-based forest management, can help restore degraded lands and improve the resilience of forest ecosystems.
Additionally, Mexico can focus on protecting and restoring critical ecosystems, such as wetlands and mangroves, which play a vital role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. By involving local communities in forest conservation efforts and providing them with the necessary resources and education, Mexico can foster a sense of stewardship and ensure long-term sustainability. Finally, Mexico can continue to partner with international organizations and initiatives, such as USAID and the UNDP Climate Promise, to access technical expertise, financial support, and best practices to accelerate progress toward its zero-deforestation goal.
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Frequently asked questions
Mexico has implemented a range of policies to combat air pollution, including the "Hoy No Circula" programme, which restricts the use of vehicles on certain days of the week. Mexico City has also established an air quality monitoring system and an emissions inventory, and implemented clean energy efforts, such as removing lead from gasoline and reducing sulphur content in diesel fuel.
Mexico faces challenges with over-exploitation, inadequate infrastructure, drought, and contamination of water resources. The state of Jalisco operates 48 potable water treatment plants, and the market for water and wastewater sub-sectors is expected to increase by 1.8% from 2022 to 2023.
Mexico has 47 waste treatment plants that separate, recycle, crush, compact, compost, and biodigest waste. There is also a technical regulation for hazardous waste that establishes guidelines for its management.
Mexico has worked with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to create a national planning exercise on SLCP mitigation and launched a Special Programme on Climate Change in 2014. Mexico has also set targets to generate at least 35% of its power with clean technologies and reduce climate pollution. However, progress has been inconsistent, and the country's overall climate pollution has risen about 33% above 2000 levels.
