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Guatemala’s Air Pollution Crisis: Citizens at Risk Amid Government Inaction


Good morning. Welcome back to Surviving in the World (SIW), your newsletter written by CI students for anyone interested in global affairs. We always try to present select topics in global news in an easy-to-understand format.

 

Today, we highlight how Guatemala, known in Korea for its pristine nature, is struggling with a serious air pollution crisis that has largely gone unaddressed.
 

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Brought to you by: Keonhee Ahn (’25).

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Word Count: 547 / Time: 5 minute read.

 



Escalating Air Pollution Crisis in Guatemala

Guatemala, home to nearly 17 million people, faces a catastrophic problem that plagues the well-being of its citizens. Air pollution in Guatemala especially in large cities such as Guatemala City has reached concerning levels.

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01 IQAir.jpg

​​​​​​​​​​​​(Source IQAir)

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What happened?
 

  •  The PM2.5 (Particulate Matter) was reported to reach levels of 8.2 times higher in Guatemala City on June 5th.
     

  •  PM2.5: an ambient quality trend for particle pollution set by the WHO (World Health
    Organization) which describes ultrafine inhalable particles with a diameter of approximately 2.5 micrometers and smaller.
     

  •  The air quality index (AQI) in Guatemala City reached 114. The AQI range of 101-150 is considered 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,' meaning that children, the elderly, and others sensitive to air pollution may experience adverse health effects.

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What caused the air pollution?

 

  •  Modern vehicles that produce less air pollution are not economically viable for the common citizen who relies on outdated vehicles. 

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  •  Rural areas are notorious for incinerating waste which has an immense impact on air pollution as well as for wildfires that release large amounts of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide which greatly deteriorates air quality across Guatemala.

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  •   The Guatemalan government takes a lax approach to finding a solution to air pollution. This issue is further aggravated by a lack of regulations and policies that would aid in the progress toward better air quality.​​

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Old vehicles in Guatemala continue to emit exhaust, making it difficult to walk around the streets (Source bawandarr.com)


The Solution:

 

  •  The Guatemalan government should make a considerable effort towards supplying electric vehicles as well as installing catalytic converters and replacing old vehicles.

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  •  Instead of burning agricultural waste in rural areas, finding new and eco-friendly ways to treat waste should be considered as steps to reducing air pollution.

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  •  Using renewable energy instead of fossil fuels and educating citizens on eco-friendly agricultural technologies is important.

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What to Expect:

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The Guatemalan government has neglected the environmental consequences they may soon face. 

 

  •  The PM2.5 can lodge itself deep within the lungs through the respiratory tract causing long-term health problems such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, as well as asthma. 

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  •  According to the “State of Global Air 2024”, a report published on June 18th, 8.1 million people have died from long-term exposure to air pollution.

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  •  The number of children dying from air pollution has increased by 44% in a span of 3 years. 

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Unless the Guatemalan government implements environmental policies to reduce air pollution, which has become a plague on the health, economy, and society of the people, there will be serious consequences.​​

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