No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeCosta RicaAir Pollution in San José Surpasses Mexico City, Raising Alarm Bells

Air Pollution in San José Surpasses Mexico City, Raising Alarm Bells

In a shocking revelation, our capital city’s air quality has deteriorated to levels worse than those of Mexico City, long considered one of the most polluted urban areas in Latin America. This alarming news comes as the Defensoría de los Habitantes (Ombudsman’s Office) calls for urgent action to address the growing air pollution crisis in Costa Rica.

Recent data shows that the concentration of particulate matter (PM10) in San José’s air has reached a concerning 27.1 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), significantly higher than Mexico City’s 21.7 µg/m³. These tiny particles, primarily produced by vehicle emissions, factories, and other human activities, pose serious health risks to our population.

The gravity of the situation is further underscored by an Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development report, which found that a staggering 88% of Ticos are exposed to harmful levels of air pollution. Defensora de los Habitantes, Angie Cruickshank, emphasized the need for collective action: “The air we breathe affects us all. We must unite across all sectors of society to strengthen public policies that protect our right to a healthy environment and prioritize public health.”

José Félix Rojas, an expert from the Universidad Nacional, pointed out that while Costa Rica has regulations for critical pollutants, there’s an urgent need for sustained funding for air quality monitoring and greater involvement from key stakeholders. “Our national challenge is to establish a comprehensive air quality management model and integrate local governments into this effort,” Rojas explained.

The impact of this pollution crisis extends beyond our capital. Ronald Flores, a public transportation specialist, highlighted how traffic congestion contributes to energy waste, air quality deterioration, and global warming through various emissions. He stressed that improving our public transportation system could significantly mitigate these issues.

As Ticos, we’re known for our commitment to environmental conservation. Now, we face a critical challenge in our own backyard. The Defensoría urges all Costa Ricans to join in the effort to combat air pollution, reminding us that clean air is essential for our health, our children’s future, and the preservation of our beloved país verde.

Trending Now

Former Costa Rican Minister Arrested for Drug Trafficking, Faces U.S. Extradition

Costa Rica’s judicial police arrested Celso Gamboa, a former security minister and Supreme Court judge, on Monday, following a U.S. request for his extradition...

Costa Rica and Panama Seek Gold Cup Glory Against North American Giants

With no Caribbean teams advancing, a Central American contingent made up of Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Guatemala heads into the quarterfinals of the...

Costa Rica Maintains Economic Stability Amid Global Tensions

Costa Rica is holding steady economically despite global tensions sparked by conflicts involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, according to Federico Quesada Chaves,...

Costa Rica’s Pride March 2025 Defies Restrictions and Celebrates Diversity

A large crowd gathered in Paseo Colón, San José, to participate in the LGBTIQ+ Pride March 2025. It began at noon, as people marched...

U.S. – Guatemala Security Pact Targets Crime and Helps Returning Migrants

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem signed a border security cooperation agreement with Guatemala on Thursday, which includes the use of drones and...

Why Costa Rica Feels Like a Safe Haven for This Longtime Expat

If someone asked me to sum up why I live in Costa Rica in 5 words or less, my answer could well be: “It...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica