Air pollution in Nuevo León has reached alarming levels, becoming one of the country's most severe environmental crises. While the population's health is at risk, the state and federal governments have reacted with delayed and ineffective measures.
Recently, the Secretariat of Environment of Nuevo León confirmed that the Monterrey Metropolitan Area (ZMM) has "Very Poor" air quality. The concentrations of PM10 particles are well above the recommended limits.
Claudia Caballero
The deterioration of air quality is not a new problem. It is the result of years of inaction by state and federal authorities.
Politicians improvise as the crisis advances
Under citizen pressure, Congresswoman Claudia Caballero Chávez requested the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) and the Federal Government to take urgent measures to reduce pollution.
The State Government, meanwhile, presented the so-called "Master Plan of Co-responsibility for Air Quality". This project, announced with great fanfare by the Secretary of Environment, Félix Arratia Cruz, promises to reduce PM10 particles by 30%. However, no clear mechanisms for its implementation or penalties for non-compliance have been detailed.
The plan also includes the signing of a "Pact for Air Quality". This agreement would involve all three levels of government, industry, and civil society. However, these pacts are often mere political simulations without real impact.
The state government continues to depend on the Federation
Governor Samuel García, instead of assuming his direct responsibility in the environmental crisis, has chosen to shift the burden to the Federal Government. In an attempt to evade the problem, he announced a supposed "joint commitment" with the Federation to address pollution in the Monterrey Metropolitan Area.
This agreement includes an environmental study with the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). However, this doesn't represent any immediate solution. While diagnostics and working groups are conducted, pollution continues to affect the health of Nuevo León's residents.
Claudia Chapa y Claudia Caballero
When will they assume their responsibility?
The environmental crisis in Nuevo León is the result of years of omission and negligence. Neither Samuel García's state administration nor the Morena government have demonstrated the ability to tackle pollution with real solutions.
Meanwhile, citizens continue to breathe toxic air and suffer the consequences of a political system that prioritizes propaganda over action. The big question remains: how much worse does the situation have to get for governments to act responsibly?
