Mexico’s Oldest Refinery Threatens Net Zero Goal
Pemex, Mexico’s state-owned oil company, is at the heart of the country’s oil and gas industry, with the Lázaro Cárdenas refinery in Minatitlán, Veracruz, serving as a grim reminder of the environmental challenges faced. The refinery, built in 1906, illuminates the city with gas flaring that transforms night into day, leaving residents with an industrial landscape reminiscent of Mordor from “The Lord of the Rings.”
Despite years of promises to control methane emissions, Pemex has struggled to curb its escalating methane footprint. This greenhouse gas, 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in the first 20 years after emission, poses a significant threat to Mexico’s ambitious climate goals, including a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050.
Global Efforts to Reduce Methane Emissions
Recognizing the urgency to address methane emissions, a coalition of 160 countries, including Mexico, has pledged to reduce global emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels. In an effort to align with international standards, Pemex joined initiatives like the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) in 2014, only to withdraw from the partnership in 2020 as emissions continued to rise.
Local Impact and Health Concerns
In Minatitlán, a city of over 144,000 residents, the consequences of Pemex’s emissions are acutely felt. Ammonia leaks from the Cosoleacaque complex have raised health concerns among residents, manifesting in headaches, dizziness, and allergies. The industrial city has been ranked among the top 30 in Mexico with worsening health indicators due to air pollution and contamination, leading to rising cases of cancer, kidney failures, and birth defects.
While methane flaring is a visible source of emissions, leaks often go unnoticed, posing health risks to residents who describe living with a constant chemical smell in the air. The lack of research on the health impacts of oil and gas infrastructure in southern Mexico further compounds the challenges faced by communities already grappling with environmental hazards.
Infrastructure Challenges and Worker Safety
Pemex’s struggle to control methane emissions can be attributed to aging infrastructure and a lack of political will to prioritize environmental concerns. The company’s focus on new projects over infrastructure maintenance has contributed to a rise in leakage and spill events, with incidents increasing from 912 in 2018 to 1,211 in 2023. Worker safety is also a growing concern, with a high number of accidents reported in recent years, including injuries and fatalities.
Despite calls for urgent repairs and environmental accountability, Pemex’s operations continue to impact local communities and the environment. In Minatitlán, residents have resigned themselves to living amidst the clouds of gas and the fiery glow of the refinery’s flares, highlighting the complex interplay between economic interests, environmental sustainability, and public health.
As Mexico grapples with the dual challenge of meeting its climate goals while addressing the environmental impact of its oil and gas industry, the role of Pemex looms large as a critical actor in shaping the country’s energy future. Balancing economic imperatives with environmental responsibility remains a delicate tightrope walk, with the residents of Minatitlán caught in the crosshairs of competing interests and priorities.
The journey towards a greener, more sustainable future for Mexico hinges on addressing the root causes of methane emissions, investing in infrastructure upgrades, and prioritizing the health and well-being of communities affected by industrial activities. Only through concerted efforts and collaborative partnerships can Mexico navigate the complex terrain of climate action and environmental stewardship, ensuring a brighter, cleaner future for generations to come.
