The Problem of Air Pollution in Colombia

Abstract

Due to the growing consumption of fossil fuels in the "Age of Oil," air pollution is one of the main causes of public health problems and climate change worldwide. In Colombian cities, especially Medellín and Bogotá, poor air quality is one of the primary causes of morbidity and mortality. Particulate matter ≤2.5 microns (PM2.5) and the Black Carbon it contains are the substances most harmful to health in our environment. The main sources of these emissions are the vehicle fleet (80%) and diesel combustion (90%). The permissible limits for air pollutants established in our country practically double those set by the WHO, and fuel quality still lags considerably behind the levels prevailing in Europe and the United States. Few but precise measures should be implemented to solve Colombia's urban air quality problem, including an Integrated Epidemiological Surveillance System, improved fuels, the use of lower-emission engines, mass education on Eco-Driving, urban tree planting, and the modernization and implementation of regulatory instruments on sustainable mobility, land-use planning, environmental quality, and cleaner production.