Kiera Jefferson
Mexico City has long been notorious for its poor air quality, having been labelled the world's most polluted city by the United Nations back in 1992. The situation has improved dramatically since then, with the city now ranked as the 917th most polluted city in the world as of 2021. This improvement is the result of various measures and policies implemented by the Mexican government to combat air pollution, including the Management Programme to Improve Air Quality (Proaire), the Hoy No Circula policy, and the Mexican Atmospheric Environmental Contingency Plan (AECP). Despite this progress, air pollution remains a significant issue in Mexico City, and the government continues to work towards improving air quality through comprehensive management programs, vehicular emissions control, and climate change strategic programs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population of Greater Mexico City | 22 million |
| Mexico City's ranking in the list of most polluted cities in the world | 917th |
| Concentration of airborne particles (PM 2.5) | Exceeds the guideline of the World Health Organization |
| Mexican Atmospheric Environmental Contingency Plan (AECP) | Restricts the use of vehicles to 2 days a week and limits factories' GHG emissions by up to 40% |
| Hoy No Circula | Introduced in 1989, it restricts the use of vehicles based on their emissions testing performance |
| Management Programme to Improve Air Quality (Proaire) | Brought Mexico City's air pollution down from a rating of 300 on its Metropolitan Air Quality Index (Imeca) in the 80s to averages of less than 150 |
| Cars Don't Circulate (Hoy No Circula) | Introduced in 1989, it restricts the use of a fifth of all vehicles on rotating days between Monday and Friday |
| Air quality forecasting system | Alerts the public to high pollution events 24 hours in advance |
| Vehicular emissions control | Advanced technologies and surveillance programs to identify high-emitting and non-compliance vehicles |
| Fuel quality | Improved fuel quality for both diesel and gasoline |
| Public transportation | Introduced hybrid and electric taxis, improved mobility through a bike-sharing program, and expanded bicycle accessibility |
| Climate change strategic programs | Clear and specific targets, including green energy (e.g. solar panels), energy efficiency programs for public buildings, and sustainable development of natural resources and biodiversity |
| Solid waste management | Improved collection and disposal of solid waste, with potential use of landfill gas recovery to supply clean energy |
| Energy-efficient buildings | Intensive program to replace lamps with better technology |
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What You'll Learn
The Management Programme to Improve Air Quality (Proaire)
The Management Programme to Improve Air Quality, or ProAire, is a Mexican government initiative that has been running for over 20 years with funding and support, demonstrating the national and metropolitan governments' commitment to improving air quality in Mexico City. The programme has been through several phases since its launch in 1995, with the current version, ProAire IV, being launched in 2011.
ProAire is a comprehensive initiative that addresses pollution on multiple fronts. One of its key focuses is reducing industrial and automobile emissions. This includes requiring emissions testing for all vehicles every six months and issuing verifications based on their performance, with underperforming vehicles prohibited from being driven on certain days of the week. ProAire also aims to increase the use of clean technologies and green methods of transport, such as expanding public transportation and bicycle accessibility.
The programme also recognises the importance of public participation and awareness in reducing pollution levels. The Mexican government has invested in educating the public and raising awareness about the importance of reducing emissions and improving air quality. This includes seeking feedback from the public on their air quality initiatives to enhance the feasibility and success of the programme.
ProAire is managed by the Metropolitan Environmental Commission (MEC), a national interagency body created in 1996 to coordinate environmental policy and programmes across federal and local governments in Mexico. The MEC works closely with the Mexico City Metropolitan Area, which is the main stakeholder in ProAire, to implement the programme and improve air quality in the city.
The results of ProAire have been significant, with pollution levels in Mexico City falling consistently over the years. The city has proven that a comprehensive, long-term strategy can have a major impact on the air quality of a megacity.
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The Hoy No Circula policy
Mexico City has been facing an air pollution crisis since the mid-1980s. The crisis was caused by the city's rapid population growth, industrialization, and the proliferation of vehicles. In 1992, the United Nations declared Mexico City the world's most polluted city.
To combat this issue, the Mexican government implemented a range of policies, one of the most notable being the "Hoy No Circula" policy, which was introduced in 1989. This policy restricted driving one workday per week based on the last digit of the vehicle's license plate. For example, vehicles with license plates ending in "5" or "6" could not be used on Mondays. The program aimed to reduce traffic by 20% from Monday to Friday.
Under the "Hoy No Circula" program, 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 of "0", "1", or "2". Vehicles with a "0" rating are exempt from the driving restrictions, while those with "1" and "2" ratings are prohibited from being driven on one weekday per week and two Saturdays per month.
The effectiveness of the "Hoy No Circula" policy has been questioned. While it was expected to reduce vehicle emissions, data from pollution monitoring stations showed little evidence of improved air quality after the program was expanded to include Saturdays. However, the simplicity and low cost of implementing the policy have made it appealing to other developing countries, and several have enacted similar versions.
To further enhance the reduction of air pollution, the Mexican Atmospheric Environmental Contingency Plan (AECP) was reactivated in 2016, which included additional restrictions on vehicle use and limiting factories' greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40%.
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Vehicular restrictions
Mexico City has implemented a range of policies to reduce air pollution, with vehicular restrictions being a key component. One of the most notable policies is the "Hoy No Circula" or "Cars Don't Circulate" programme, introduced in 1989. Under this programme, all vehicles in Mexico City and the State of Mexico are required to undergo emissions testing every six months and are then issued a verification based on their performance. Vehicles with a "0" rating, which meets the requirements, are exempted from the "Hoy No Circula" restrictions. On the other hand, vehicles with "1" and "2" labels, indicating underperformance, are prohibited from being driven one weekday per week and two Saturdays per month.
While the effectiveness of the "Hoy No Circula" programme has been questioned, as air pollution levels did not significantly decrease in the years following its implementation, it remains an important part of the city's pollution control strategy. In 2016, the Mexican Atmospheric Environmental Contingency Plan (AECP) was reactivated, further restricting vehicle use to two days a week instead of one and limiting greenhouse gas emissions from factories by up to 40%.
In addition to these restrictions, Mexico City has also implemented other measures to reduce vehicular emissions. The city has introduced advanced technologies and surveillance programs, such as Green inspectors and remote sensors, to identify high-emitting and non-compliant vehicles. They have also improved fuel quality for diesel and gasoline, promoted the use of hybrid and electric taxis, and enhanced mobility through bike-sharing programs and improved pedestrian areas.
The city's government has also focused on improving public transportation, such as the Metrobus system, and has equipped buses with newer diesel technologies. Furthermore, incentives have been created for the purchase of cleaner vehicles, and there has been significant investment in expanding and improving public transport options. These measures have contributed to an 86% decrease in carbon monoxide, a 53% decrease in ozone, and a 32% decrease in particulate matter over a 20-year period.
Mexico City's vehicular restrictions and broader emissions reduction measures have played a crucial role in improving the city's air quality and reducing the health risks associated with pollution.
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Public transport expansion
Mexico City has implemented a range of policies to combat air pollution, including the expansion of its public transportation network. The city has invested huge sums in public transport, improving mobility by upgrading its high-capacity, low-emission transport systems.
The Mexican government has introduced the Management Programme to Improve Air Quality (Proaire), which has been celebrated for capturing the will of civil society and business to tackle the problem. Proaire has been successful in bringing Mexico City's air pollution down from a rating of 300 on its Metropolitan Air Quality Index (Imeca) in the 80s, to more recent averages of less than 150. This has been achieved through a combination of regulatory actions and technological changes.
The city has implemented an integrated policy for air quality and climate change, with priority strategies to protect public health. This includes improving fuel quality for both diesel and gasoline, and introducing hybrid and electric taxis.
The public transportation system, Metrobus, has been improved, and buses have been equipped with newer diesel technologies. The city has also introduced a bike-sharing program, Ecobici, and enhanced pedestrian areas.
In addition to these initiatives, Mexico City has set a policy priority to improve air quality, with the goal of maintaining a downward trend in pollution levels. This has been achieved through the implementation of comprehensive air quality management programs, such as the much-lauded PROAIRE processes, which are based on scientific, technical, social, and political considerations. The city has also improved its data collection capacity, providing air quality information to the public.
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Green energy initiatives
Mexico City has implemented a variety of green energy initiatives to combat air pollution and improve overall air quality. Here are some of the key initiatives:
Proaire
The Management Programme to Improve Air Quality, or Proaire, was introduced in 1996 by the city and regional governments. This celebrated programme has been key to reducing air pollution in Mexico City, capturing the commitment of civil society and businesses alike. Proaire has since been expanded to 11 cities across Mexico and continues to play a vital role in maintaining and improving air quality.
Vehicular Emissions Control
Mexico City has implemented advanced technologies and surveillance programs to enhance vehicular emissions control. This includes the use of Green inspectors and remote sensors to identify high-emitting and non-compliant vehicles. The city has also improved fuel quality for both diesel and gasoline, and introduced incentives for the purchase of cleaner vehicles, such as hybrid and electric taxis.
Public Transportation
There has been a significant focus on improving public transportation in Mexico City. The city has invested in efficient mass transit systems, such as the Metrobus, and has introduced new diesel technologies for buses. The city has also expanded its bike-sharing program, Ecobici, and enhanced pedestrian areas, providing residents with sustainable mobility options.
Energy Efficiency
Mexico City has launched energy efficiency initiatives for public buildings, aiming to reduce energy consumption and promote the use of green energy. This includes the installation of solar panels and the replacement of lamps with more energy-efficient alternatives.
Solid Waste Management
The city is also addressing solid waste management to reduce pollution and promote sustainable practices. This includes improving the collection and disposal of solid waste, with a potential focus on landfill gas recovery to supply clean energy. Residents are actively participating in trash and recycling regulations, contributing to a greener environment.
These green energy initiatives demonstrate Mexico City's commitment to combating air pollution and creating a more sustainable future for its residents. By implementing these measures, the city has made significant progress in improving air quality, even as the city continues to grow and develop.
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Frequently asked questions
Since being named the world's most polluted city by the United Nations in 1992, Mexico City has implemented a range of policies to combat air pollution. This includes the "Hoy No Circula" programme, which restricts the use of a fifth of all vehicles on weekdays. The Mexican government has also required the reformulation of gasoline, the closure or relocation of polluting factories, and the prohibition of driving one day per week. More recently, there has been an expansion of public transportation and the implementation of climate change strategic programs, such as the promotion of green energy and energy efficiency.
The "Hoy No Circula" programme, which translates to "today, don't circulate", was introduced in 1989. It 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 "0" assigned to vehicles that meet the requirements and "1" or "2" to underperforming vehicles. Vehicles with a "0" label are exempt from the "Hoy No Circula" programme, while those with "1" or "2" labels are prohibited from being driven one weekday per week and two Saturdays per month.
The effectiveness of the "Hoy No Circula" programme has been questioned. While there was a decrease in air pollution during the first few months of implementation, air pollution levels did not continue to decrease in subsequent years. However, other factors, such as the reformulation of gasoline and the closure or relocation of polluting factories, may have contributed to the overall reduction in air pollution in Mexico City.
