In 2020, Popocatépetl, an iconic volcano near Mexico City, experienced increased activity, with ash emissions affecting the Valley of Mexico. This ongoing volcanic activity has significant implications for air quality and public health in the region, as well as for local agriculture. The events surrounding Popocatépetl highlight the importance of monitoring and preparedness in areas with active volcanoes, especially in densely populated urban centers.

The eruptions of Popocatépetl, known as the 'Smoking Mountain,' have long been a powerful symbol in Mexican poetry. Poets such as Octavio Paz have used this iconic volcano to explore themes of national identity, power, and the watchfulness of nature, embedding it deeply in the cultural consciousness of Mexico.