Mexico City's Air: Solutions For Cleaner Breathing

Mexico City has implemented various solutions to combat air pollution and improve air quality. In the 1990s, the Mexican government began developing and implementing comprehensive air quality management programs that combined regulatory actions with technological advancements. Since then, Mexico City has continued to prioritize air quality improvement through various initiatives. These include joining global campaigns such as BreatheLife and Breathe Cities, implementing low-emission public transit options, improving solid waste management, and promoting active travel through bike-sharing programs and cycle lanes. Additionally, Mexico has passed laws like the General Law on Climate Change and set ambitious targets for reducing Black Carbon emissions. As a result, Mexico City has seen a significant decrease in air pollution, dropping from the most polluted city to the 917th ranking.

Electric mobility and public transport

Mexico City has implemented a range of policies to improve air quality and reduce pollution. Notably, the city has pursued initiatives to improve electric mobility and public transport.

One such initiative is the "Hoy No Circula" or "Cars Don't Circulate" programme, introduced in 1989. This policy restricts the use of a fifth of all vehicles on rotating days between Monday and Friday, depending on the last number on a vehicle's registration plate. This programme was designed to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and, in turn, decrease vehicle emissions, which are a major source of air pollution in the city.

Mexico City has also implemented advanced technologies and surveillance programmes to strengthen vehicular emissions control. This includes the use of Green inspectors and remote sensors to identify high-emitting and non-compliant vehicles, as well as the improvement of fuel quality for both diesel and gasoline. The city has introduced Hybrid and electric taxis and improved public transportation with the Metrobus system, which equips buses with newer, cleaner diesel technologies.

The city has also focused on improving mobility by upgrading its high-capacity, low-emission transport systems and enhancing its maintenance and inspection programs for private vehicles. Additionally, Mexico City has introduced a bike-sharing program, Ecobici, and improved pedestrian areas to encourage active transport and reduce vehicle emissions.

These initiatives have contributed to a significant decrease in air pollution in Mexico City, with the city dropping from the most polluted city in the world to the 917th most polluted, according to IQAir. However, it is important to note that more work needs to be done, as the city's concentration of airborne particles (PM 2.5) still exceeds the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Air quality forecasting

Mexico City has implemented an integrated policy for air quality and climate change, with priority strategies to protect public health. The city has been working to improve air quality since the 1980s and 90s, when air pollution was at its peak. At that time, ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and airborne particles were at record levels.

The city has made significant progress, and in 2021, it was ranked as the 917th most polluted city in the world by IQAir, a company that tracks air quality globally. This is a substantial improvement from its previous ranking as the most polluted city in the world.

To achieve this improvement, Mexico City has implemented various initiatives and strategies. One key strategy has been the "Hoy No Circula" program, introduced in 1989, which restricts vehicle circulation based on emissions testing. The city has also worked to improve public transportation, with initiatives such as the Metrobus, hybrid and electric taxis, and the Ecobici bike-sharing program.

Another important aspect of Mexico City's air quality improvement efforts has been the implementation of an air quality forecasting system. This system has been in place since 2017 and alerts the public to high pollution events 24 hours in advance. The city has also focused on improving data collection and monitoring systems, providing air quality information to the public, and partnering with the national and international scientific community.

Additionally, Mexico City has implemented climate change strategic programs with specific targets, including the adoption of green energy, energy efficiency programs for public buildings, and the sustainable development of natural resources and biodiversity. The city has also improved solid waste management and promoted energy-efficient buildings.

While Mexico City has made significant progress in improving air quality, there is still work to be done to meet international standards and further reduce pollution levels. The city continues to prioritize air quality improvement and protect the health and well-being of its residents.

Eco-friendly art

Mexico City has historically struggled with air pollution, mainly due to population growth, increasing motorization, industrial activities, and its location in a basin where air pollutants are trapped. However, the city has made significant improvements, dropping to the 917th most polluted city in the world in 2021. This improvement is attributed to various government initiatives and regulations aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainability.

One creative way to address air pollution and raise awareness about sustainability is through eco-friendly art. Eco-art, which emerged in the late 20th century, encourages artists to explore ecological issues and promote environmental sustainability through their creations. Artists associated with this movement often use recycled materials, address climate change, and engage with nature. Here are some ideas for eco-friendly art projects that can help reduce waste and inspire conscious creativity:

• Upcycling and Repurposing: Instead of buying new materials, artists can use items from their homes that would otherwise be thrown away. Toilet paper rolls, empty milk cartons, broken crayons, and even styrofoam can be transformed into unique art pieces. This reduces waste and encourages creativity in using everyday items.
• Egg Mosaic: Save those egg shells! Colorful egg shells can be used to create beautiful mosaics, perfect for preschool and elementary-age children.
• Crochet Water Balloons: These reusable water balloons are a fun and eco-friendly alternative to traditional water balloons. They can be soaked, thrown, and then used again next year, leaving no harmful shrapnel behind.
• Magazine Art: Old magazines can be cut into thin strips, rolled into coils, and glued together to create art designs, necklace pendants, or paper beads for jewelry.
• Natural Dyes: Instead of using artificial chemicals or food coloring, artists can create natural dyes from plant and flower pigments. This reduces the environmental impact of artificial dyes and encourages the use of natural, eco-friendly alternatives.

Energy-efficient buildings

Energy efficiency is a key component of Mexico City's strategy to reduce air pollution. The city has implemented various initiatives to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, recognising that the built environment is a major contributor to energy consumption and, consequently, air pollution.

One notable initiative is the Excellence in Energy Efficiency Pilot Project E4 Programme, launched in 2017. This programme introduced voluntary labelling for buildings that meet the highest standards of energy efficiency, based on the Energy Star methodology. This not only encourages the construction of energy-efficient buildings but also raises awareness among the public about the importance of energy efficiency in reducing air pollution.

Additionally, Mexico City has been working to improve the energy efficiency of its transportation systems, promoting the use of non-polluting means of transport. This includes the introduction of electric taxis and the development of low-emission vehicles, such as the first low-emission multi-chamber kiln for the artisanal brick sector. The city has also prioritised the expansion of bicycle accessibility and the improvement of public transportation, such as equipping buses with newer, more efficient diesel technologies.

To further reduce emissions, Mexico has updated heavy-duty vehicle emission standards and fuel quality standards, limiting the sulphur content in gasoline and diesel. These measures not only reduce air pollution but also contribute to the country's efforts to address climate change, as outlined in the 2019 National Strategy to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants.

While Mexico City has made significant progress in reducing air pollution, dropping from the most polluted city in the world to the 917th as of 2021, more work remains to be done. The city continues to exceed the World Health Organization's guidelines for airborne particle concentration (PM 2.5). Therefore, ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency in the built environment, coupled with initiatives to enhance public awareness and education about air quality, are crucial to sustaining and building upon the improvements already achieved.

Solid waste management

One of the key strategies for solid waste management is the improvement of collection and disposal systems. This includes the potential use of landfill gas recovery to supply clean energy, which would be an innovative and environmentally friendly approach. Additionally, residents are encouraged to follow new trash and recycling regulations, which help reduce waste and promote recycling culture.

Mexico City is also addressing the broader issue of waste reduction by prioritizing sustainable transportation options. The city has introduced low-emission transport systems, improved maintenance and inspection programs for private vehicles, and promoted active transport such as cycling and walking. These initiatives not only reduce vehicle emissions but also contribute to a healthier and more environmentally friendly city.

Furthermore, the city has implemented an integrated policy for air quality and climate change, demonstrating their commitment to tackling the issue at its root. This includes strategies such as improving fuel quality for diesel and gasoline, introducing hybrid and electric taxis, and promoting energy efficiency in public buildings.

The Mexican government has also played a significant role in addressing air pollution by developing and implementing comprehensive air quality management programs since the 1990s. These programs combine regulatory actions, such as emissions testing for vehicles, with technological advancements, like advanced vehicular emissions control technologies and remote sensors to identify high-emitting vehicles.

Overall, Mexico City's solid waste management strategies are comprehensive and multi-faceted, involving both the local community and various levels of government. By prioritizing public awareness, improving waste collection and disposal systems, promoting sustainable transportation, and implementing integrated policies, the city is making significant strides towards cleaner air and a healthier environment for its residents.

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