Estudio comparativo de muertes relacionadas con el COVID-19, homicidios y contaminación del aire en la región transfronteriza Mexicali-Imperial County (2018–2020)

Abstract

This comparative study analyzes the absolute numbers and death rates of air pollution-related fatal victims, intentional homicides, and COVID-19 losses from 2018 to 2020 in the Mexicali (Baja California, Mexico) and Imperial County (California, United States) cross-border region. The analysis is nourished with quantitative data from secondary sources, systematized by all three levels of government authorities in the case of Mexicali and federal authorities in the Imperial County case. Evidence reveals that air pollution, homicides, and COVID-19 have had a differential impact on both sides of the border. While the COVID-19 pandemic was devastating in multiple aspects, air pollution-related mortality rates in the Mexicali-Imperial County cross-border region were five times higher than those of COVID-19. Mexicali was the most distressed “side” of the border in absolute numbers. However, by population rate, Imperial County was the most disturbed. Therefore, this situation reflects a shared priority for state and municipal authorities on both sides of the border.