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Alarmingly, the air quality in our capital has deteriorated to a level worse than that of Mexico City, long considered one of the most polluted cities in Latin America. The alarming news comes as the Office of the Residents’ Protection (Ombudsman’s Office) calls for urgent action to address Costa Rica’s growing air pollution crisis.
Recent data shows that particulate matter (PM10) concentrations in San José’s air have reached an alarming 27.1 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), much higher than Mexico City’s 21.7 µg/m³. These tiny particles, produced primarily by car exhaust, factories, and other human activities, pose a serious health risk to our population.
The severity of the situation was further highlighted by a report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which found that 88% of Costa Rica’s population faces hazardous levels of air pollution. Angie Cruickshank of the Residents’ Protection Association stressed the need for collective action: “The air we breathe affects us all. We must unite all sectors of society to strengthen public policies that protect our right to a healthy environment and prioritize public health.”
Jose Felix Rojas, an expert at the National University of Costa Rica, noted that while Costa Rica has regulations in place for key pollutants, there is an urgent need for sustained funding for air quality monitoring and greater involvement of key stakeholders. “The challenge facing our country is to develop a comprehensive air quality management model and include local governments in this effort,” Rojas explained.
The impact of this pollution crisis extends beyond our capital. Public transportation expert Ronald Flores highlights how traffic congestion contributes to energy waste, poor air quality, and global warming through various emissions. He emphasizes that improving our public transportation systems could go a long way toward alleviating these problems.
As Costa Ricans, we are known for our commitment to environmental protection. Now, we face a serious challenge in our own backyard. Defensoría urges all Costa Ricans to join the fight against air pollution, reminding us that clean air is essential for our health, our children’s future, and the preservation of our beloved green country.
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