Mexico City's Air: Strategies For Cleaner Breathing

Mexico City, home to over 20 million people, has long struggled with air pollution. In 1992, the United Nations named it the most polluted city on the planet. While it has since dropped to 917th place, air pollution remains a serious issue, with the city's PM2.5 concentration exceeding World Health Organization guidelines. The causes are varied, from industrialisation and urbanisation to geographical factors, but the effects are clear: air pollution causes about one in seventeen deaths in the country. So, what is being done to reduce it?

Vehicular restrictions

One of the most notable policies is the "Hoy No Circula" ("Today, Don't Circulate") program, which was first introduced in 1989. Under this policy, all vehicles in Mexico City and the state of Mexico are required to undergo emissions testing every six months. Based on their performance in the test, vehicles are assigned a verification label. Vehicles that meet the requirements are labelled "0" and are exempt from the "Hoy No Circula" restrictions. However, vehicles that do not meet the requirements are labelled "1" or "2" and are prohibited from being driven one weekday per week and two Saturdays per month. This policy has helped to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and improve air quality.

In addition to "Hoy No Circula", the Mexican government has also implemented other vehicular restrictions to tackle air pollution. In 2012, the government prohibited drivers from using their cars one day per week, and this restriction was later changed to include Saturdays as well. This policy, known as "No-Drive Days" or "Hoy No Circula," has been effective in reducing the number of vehicles on the road, especially during the week.

Mexico City has also invested in expanding public transportation options, including low- and zero-emission choices such as the Metrobús and Ecobici bicycles. The Metrobús, a low-emission bus system, is cheaper to run than the subway and much cleaner than regular buses. Ecobici is a public bicycle-sharing program that allows users to pick up a bicycle at one station and drop it off at another, making it a convenient and environmentally friendly option for getting around the city. The city has also designated bike lanes on roads and introduced hybrid and electric taxis to further encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation.

The government has also implemented policies to promote active travel and reduce the reliance on private vehicles. Hundreds of kilometres of new cycle lanes have been constructed, and the city has invested in pedestrianised areas and public-private collaboration on the replacement of old diesel freight with less polluting technologies. These initiatives have not only helped to reduce air pollution but also contributed to making the city more walkable and bike-friendly, improving the quality of life for its residents.

Overall, vehicular restrictions and initiatives to promote alternative modes of transportation have played a crucial role in Mexico City's efforts to reduce air pollution. By implementing policies such as "Hoy No Circula" and investing in public transportation and active travel infrastructure, the city has made significant strides towards improving air quality and creating a more sustainable and healthy urban environment for its residents.

Increase green areas

Mexico City's air pollution has been a concern for decades, and the Mexican government has implemented various plans to address this issue. One of the strategies includes increasing green areas and reforestation. Here are some detailed actions and initiatives that fall under this category:

Green Areas and Reforestation:

• The Mexican government has recognized the importance of increasing green spaces in urban areas. This not only improves the aesthetic appeal of the city but also helps mitigate air pollution.
• Mexico City's administration and the Metropolitan Environmental Commission (MEC) have implemented programs such as the Comprehensive Programme Against Air Pollution (PICCA) and ProAire to improve air quality. ProAire, currently in its fourth iteration, includes initiatives to expand the city's subway network and bike-sharing systems, reducing the public's reliance on vehicles.
• One of the main goals is to achieve the internationally recommended ratio between green areas and urbanized spaces. This will contribute to enhancing the quality of the urban environment, improving the quality of life for residents, and reducing the heat island effect and particle resuspension.
• Strategies to achieve this include the recovery, restoration, conservation, and expansion of urban green spaces, as well as the modernization of forest fire prevention and reforestation programs.
• By increasing green areas, the city can also promote environmental education and encourage citizen participation in sustainability initiatives.
• The creation of more green spaces can help regulate temperature extremes and provide habitats for diverse plant and animal species, enhancing the city's ecological diversity.
• Additionally, the government can collaborate with local communities and organizations to plant and maintain trees, shrubs, and other vegetation in public spaces, along roads, and in designated green areas.
• Increasing green areas can also have a positive impact on the mental and physical well-being of residents, providing spaces for recreation, relaxation, and connection with nature.
• The government can offer incentives for businesses and individuals to create and maintain green roofs, vertical gardens, and other forms of urban gardening.

Expand bicycle accessibility

Mexico City has been working to expand bicycle accessibility as part of its efforts to reduce air pollution. The city has recognised the importance of reducing air pollution to protect public health and support economic development. As of 2022, Mexico City is the largest constructor of cycling infrastructure in Mexico and has plans to further develop its cycling infrastructure network.

The city's Ministry of Mobility (SEMOVI) has announced four cycling infrastructure projects, including three bicycle lanes and a bus-bicycle lane. These projects will benefit the residents of Miguel Hidalgo, Iztapalapa, Benito Juarez and Cuauhtemoc. The first bicycle lane, named Ciclovía Av. Guelatao, will be approximately 10km long and will connect the Ermita Iztapalapa roadway and Ignacio Zaragoza avenue via the Guelatao avenue in Iztapalapa. It will provide connections to parks, educational institutions, and public transport networks. The total length of the four projects is 17.8km.

The expansion of bicycle infrastructure is expected to encourage more people to choose bicycles as a mode of transport instead of cars, contributing to a reduction in vehicle emissions, which are a major source of air pollution in Mexico City. Cycling also promotes an active and healthier lifestyle for the city's residents.

In addition to the new cycling infrastructure, Mexico City has also implemented other measures to promote bicycle accessibility. These include:

• Ecobici: This initiative provides a network of bicycle lanes that connect with the Integrated Mobility network, allowing for more efficient and flexible trip planning. Ecobici lanes separate cyclists from vehicular traffic, offering greater safety, comfort, and time savings.
• Bicycle-sharing systems: Mexico City has introduced bicycle-sharing initiatives, such as ECOBICI, to provide residents with easy access to bicycles and encourage their use.
• Promotion of alternatives to driving: The city actively promotes alternatives to driving, such as bus rapid transit lines and bike-sharing systems, to reduce the demand for car usage.

Air quality forecasting

Air Quality Monitoring Systems

Mexico City has implemented advanced air quality monitoring systems, such as the Atmospheric Monitoring System (SIMAT), which continuously measures various air pollutants. SIMAT has over 40 monitoring sites distributed across the metropolitan area, including the Federal District and the State of Mexico. These sites, known as air quality monitoring stations, use advanced equipment to measure criteria pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and suspended particles. This real-time data collection provides a comprehensive understanding of the air quality in different areas of the city.

Health Recommendations and Alerts

Based on the data collected by SIMAT and other monitoring systems, health recommendations and alerts are communicated to the public. For example, sensitive groups, including people with respiratory or heart conditions, children, and the elderly, may be advised to reduce outdoor activities or wear masks when air pollution levels are high. In some cases, environmental risk alerts may be issued, urging residents to stay indoors. These alerts are crucial in protecting the health of vulnerable individuals and the general public during periods of high air pollution.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

Mexico City uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) to communicate the level of air pollution and the associated health risks. The AQI takes into account various pollutants and provides a numerical value that corresponds to different categories, such as "Good," "Fair," "Poor," "Harmful," and "Extremely Harmful." This index helps residents understand the current air quality and make informed decisions about their outdoor activities.

Seasonal Variations

Government Initiatives

The Mexican government has implemented various initiatives to improve air quality forecasting and reduce air pollution. For instance, the Atmospheric Environmental Contingency Plan (AECP) is activated during periods of high air pollution, imposing additional restrictions on vehicle use and limiting greenhouse gas emissions from factories. The government has also introduced programs to improve fuel quality, mandate the use of catalytic converters, and promote public transportation and bicycle accessibility.

In conclusion, air quality forecasting in Mexico City involves a combination of advanced monitoring systems, health recommendations, air quality indices, and government initiatives. By closely monitoring air pollution levels and taking proactive measures, authorities can effectively reduce air pollution and protect the health of residents. These efforts are crucial in improving the overall air quality and making Mexico City a healthier and more sustainable place to live.

Eco-friendly art

Mexico City has long struggled with air pollution, but various measures have been implemented to address this issue. The city's air quality has improved significantly, dropping from being the most polluted city in the world to the 917th in 2021. However, it still faces challenges in reducing ground-level ozone, which remains a significant concern.

To further reduce air pollution in Mexico City, eco-friendly art can play a creative and impactful role. Here are some ideas for eco-friendly art initiatives that can engage the community and contribute to cleaner air:

The Smell of Clean Air:

Create an immersive art installation that focuses on the sense of smell, similar to Michael Pinsky's Pollution Pods. This installation would showcase the distinct smells of clean air in various locations, such as a pine forest, a field of wildflowers, or a crisp mountain range. Visitors would be invited to step into different chambers and experience the unique scents of places with fresh, unpolluted air. This sensory experience would remind people of the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving it.

Upcycled Trash Installations:

Collaborate with local artists who specialize in upcycling trash, such as Marina DeBris or Moffat Takadiwa. Curate an art exhibition featuring sculptures, installations, and fashion pieces created from recycled materials, found objects, and trash collected from the streets of Mexico City. This would raise awareness about waste reduction and promote the idea that trash can be transformed into something beautiful and valuable.

Green Spaces and Public Art:

Initiate a community project that combines art and nature by creating green spaces around the city. Engage local artists and community members to design and build vertical gardens, plant trees, and transform neglected areas into vibrant public art installations. This not only improves air quality but also beautifies the city and encourages community engagement and ownership of public spaces.

Mobile Air Quality Monitors:

Work with scientists and artists to design mobile air quality monitoring stations that are visually appealing and interactive. These stations would be placed in various locations around the city, providing real-time data on air quality. The artistic design of these stations would attract attention and encourage people to actively engage with the data, making them more aware of the city's air quality and the need for change.

Eco-Art Education:

Develop educational programs for schools and community centers that teach children and adults about eco-friendly art techniques. Offer workshops on creating art from recycled materials, natural dyes, and sustainable practices. By involving the community in the creative process, they will develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues and become agents of change themselves.

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