Air pollution has been a huge issue in Mexico City since the 1990’s. United Nations listed Mexico City as the most polluted city in the world. The lower atmospheric oxygen level causes combustion in high emissions of carbon monoxide and engines. These compounds mixed with intense sunlight turns into smog. In 1999, Mexican government decreased factory capacity by 30% and placed bans on usage of cars. The government has implemented unleaded fuel and started a transit system to combat the air pollution.
Mexico City is built on top of a plateau, a valley, surrounded by water. The Cutzamala dam supports majority of the city. But with increasing people living in the city, the dam cannot keep up with the water demand. In fact, residents of Mexico City use around 75 gallons of water a day, 35 more gallons than the average American. The aquifer is sinking and is often contaminated by people living in the outskirts. The Mexican government is trying to limit water use by cutting off water supplies completely, but it’s not a long-term solution. The Mexico government is taking initiatives and trying to go ‘green’ by encouraging transit bus, limiting greenhouse emission and cleaning their water and reducing car usage.
Sources:
