Mexico City's Air Pollution: Strategies And Results

Mexico City has historically been one of the most polluted cities in the world, with air quality so toxic that birds fell out of the sky and were found dead. However, it has since dropped to the 917th most polluted city in the world in 2021. This improvement is largely due to the Mexican government's implementation of various policies and initiatives to combat air pollution. These include the Hoy No Circula policy, which restricts vehicles from being driven on certain days of the week based on their emissions performance, and the Breathe Cities initiative, which aims to reduce air pollution by strengthening air quality data, community engagement, and technical capacity building. Other measures include improving public transportation, promoting active travel through bike-sharing programs, and transitioning to cleaner energy sources such as natural gas and electric vehicles.

The Mexican government has implemented policies to reduce emissions, including vehicular restrictions

The Mexican government has also supported the replacement of old diesel freight with less polluting technologies and the introduction of electric buses and electric heavy-duty vehicles. In 2018, Mexico City joined other cities in pledging to ban diesel vehicles by 2025. Additionally, the government has worked to improve public transportation by equipping buses with newer diesel technologies and implementing efficient mass transit systems.

Furthermore, Mexico City has implemented climate change strategic programs with specific targets, such as promoting green energy (e.g., solar panels) and energy efficiency programs for public buildings. The city has also joined global initiatives like Breathe Cities, aiming to reduce air pollution, cut carbon emissions, and improve public health.

The Mexican government has also taken regulatory actions, such as removing lead from gasoline, implementing catalytic converters in automobiles, reducing sulfur content in diesel fuel, and closing an oil refinery. These measures contribute to the country's commitment to reducing emissions and improving air quality in Mexico City.

There is a focus on improving public transportation, with the introduction of electric taxis and buses

Mexico City has implemented a range of measures to improve air quality and reduce pollution. Notably, there is a focus on improving public transportation, with the introduction of electric taxis and buses.

The city has been working to improve its public transportation system, including introducing electric buses and cable bus lines, as well as upgrading its high-capacity, low-emission transport systems. This includes equipping buses with newer, cleaner diesel technologies and improving fuel quality for diesel and gasoline. The city has also introduced hybrid and electric taxis, with plans to transition to more electric vehicles in the future.

Mexico City has also implemented a bike-sharing program, Ecobici, and developed hundreds of kilometers of new cycle lanes, promoting active travel and providing citizens with sustainable and efficient transportation options. The city has improved mobility and accessibility for its citizens, while also reducing emissions and air pollution.

In addition to these transportation initiatives, Mexico City has also joined the global Breathe Cities initiative, which aims to reduce air pollution, cut carbon emissions, and improve public health. This program provides the city with access to air quality data and the opportunity to collaborate with other cities worldwide to develop effective policies and strategies.

Through these comprehensive approaches, Mexico City is actively working towards improving air quality and creating a healthier urban environment for its residents. The focus on improving public transportation and the introduction of electric vehicles are key components of their strategy to reduce air pollution.

Mexico City has joined the global Breathe Cities initiative to reduce air pollution and improve public health

Mexico City has been plagued by air pollution for decades. In the 20th century, the city's population rapidly increased as industrialization brought thousands of migrants from across the globe. This rapid growth, coupled with the increase in human activities, resulted in severely poor air quality. In 1992, the UN declared Mexico City the most polluted city in the world.

The Mexican government started developing and implementing comprehensive air quality management programs in the 1990s that combined regulatory actions with technological changes. Specific actions included the removal of lead from gasoline, the implementation of catalytic converters in automobiles, and the reduction of sulfur content in diesel fuel. More recently, the government has focused on improving public transportation, introducing hybrid and electric taxis, and promoting bike-sharing programs.

Despite these efforts, Mexico City still struggles with air pollution. In 2024, Mexico City joined the global Breathe Cities initiative, becoming the third city that year to join the program, which now includes 14 cities worldwide. Breathe Cities aims to reduce air pollution by 30% on average across its participating cities by 2030. The initiative provides cities with greater access to air quality data, supports the development of tailored policies, and facilitates the sharing of knowledge and best practices among cities.

By joining Breathe Cities, Mexico City reinforces its commitment to tackling toxic air and improving public health. The city will gain support in strengthening air quality data, community engagement, and technical capacity building. As one of the largest and most populous cities in the world, Mexico City's participation in the Breathe Cities initiative sets a powerful example for other cities and will hopefully inspire more cities to join the clean air movement.

The city has set up an air quality monitoring system and is working to improve data collection and sharing

Mexico City has been working to improve its air quality since the 1990s, when the Mexican government began implementing comprehensive air quality management programs that combined regulatory actions with technological change. In 2017, the city established an air quality monitoring system and emissions inventory, and it continues to strengthen its air quality data collection and sharing capabilities through initiatives like Breathe Cities.

The Breathe Cities initiative, delivered by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Clean Air Fund, and C40 Cities, aims to bring together air quality data, communities, and city leaders to share learnings and scale local impact to tackle urban air pollution globally. Mexico City is the latest addition to this initiative, joining 13 other cities worldwide, including London, Paris, and Bogota. By participating in Breathe Cities, Mexico City gains access to greater air quality data and support to strengthen community engagement, technical capacity building, and knowledge sharing with other cities.

The city has also implemented a range of other measures to improve air quality and reduce emissions. These include improving public transportation, such as introducing electric taxis and buses, and promoting active travel through bike-sharing programs and the development of new cycle lanes. Mexico City has also focused on improving fuel quality for diesel and gasoline, removing lead from gasoline, and reducing the sulfur content in diesel fuel.

In addition to these efforts, 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 is working to replace lamps with more energy-efficient alternatives.

Mexico City is pursuing clean energy efforts, including removing lead from gasoline and reducing sulphur in diesel

Mexico City has implemented a range of policies and initiatives to combat air pollution and improve air quality. One notable example is the "Hoy No Circula" policy, which was introduced in 1989. This policy requires all vehicles in Mexico City and the State of Mexico to undergo emissions testing every six months. Vehicles are then issued a verification label, with those labelled "1" and "2" being prohibited from driving on one weekday per week and two Saturdays per month. While the effectiveness of this policy has been questioned, it stands as one of the many strategies employed by the city to tackle air pollution.

Mexico City is actively pursuing clean energy efforts, including removing lead from gasoline and reducing sulphur in diesel fuel. These initiatives fall under the city's comprehensive air quality management programs, which address the environmental concerns of the region. The city has also implemented climate change strategic programs with specific targets, such as the introduction of green energy and energy efficiency initiatives.

The removal of lead from gasoline is a significant step towards cleaner energy in Mexico City. Lead, once a common additive in gasoline, has been replaced with less harmful alternatives like MTBE and PEMEX, the state-run petroleum company. This change has contributed to improving the air quality in the city.

Reducing sulphur content in diesel fuel is another crucial initiative undertaken by Mexico City. Diesel fuel with a lower sulphur content burns cleaner, reducing the amount of harmful emissions released into the atmosphere. This initiative is part of the city's broader efforts to improve fuel quality and promote the use of newer, less polluting diesel technologies.

In addition to these efforts, Mexico City has expanded public transportation options, including the introduction of electric buses and electric taxis. The city has also joined the global Breathe Cities initiative, which aims to reduce air pollution, cut carbon emissions, and improve public health. Through this initiative, the city gains access to air quality data, community engagement support, and knowledge-sharing opportunities with other cities worldwide.

Frequently asked questions