Greta Jimenez
Mexico City has long been notorious for its poor air quality, with the United Nations declaring it the most polluted city on the planet in 1992. The city's unique topography, high altitude, low winds, large population, industry, and proliferation of vehicles all contribute to its high levels of pollution. While the Mexican government has implemented measures to improve air quality, pollution remains a significant issue. For those seeking areas of Mexico City with less pollution, options include the towns and highland areas of the city, such as Acopilco, Interlomas, and Cuajimalpa, which are located further from the city center and offer cleaner air.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Areas with less pollution | Coyoacan, Acopilco, Interlomas, Cuajimalpa, El Guarda, Villa Milpa Alta |
| Causes of pollution | Proliferation of vehicles, rapid industrial growth, population boom, combustion of fossil fuels, low winds, elevation, large population, industry, aging fleet of vehicles |
| Effects of pollution | Respiratory issues, asthma, allergies, increased mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, early death, reproductive health issues, dizziness, brain dysfunction |
| Initiatives to reduce pollution | Reformulated gasoline, closure or relocation of polluting factories, car-free days, expanded public transportation, increased green areas, expanded bicycle accessibility |
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What You'll Learn
The town of Acopilco is less polluted and located near forests
Mexico City is one of the most polluted cities in the western hemisphere. It has over 22 million inhabitants and is plagued by chaotic traffic, industry, and an ageing fleet of vehicles, all of which contribute to high levels of pollution. The city's unique topography, with its low winds, tropical location, and elevation of over 2200 meters, also plays a role in trapping particulate matter and pollutants.
However, not all areas within Mexico City are equally polluted. The town of Acopilco, located near forests, is known for having relatively better air quality. Acopilco benefits from its proximity to nature and the positive impact of the nearby forests on air quality. The town's location, surrounded by greenery, helps to mitigate some of the pollution that is prevalent in other parts of the city.
The negative health and quality-of-life implications of pollution are well-documented, and individuals often seek out areas with better air quality when choosing where to live and work. The presence of green spaces and lower pollution levels can significantly impact the well-being of residents.
While Acopilco may offer a respite from the worst of Mexico City's pollution, it is still important to be aware of the overall high pollution levels in the city. Mexico City's pollution levels are above those recommended by the World Health Organization, and the city did not make it into the top 25 most polluted capital cities in 2023. However, this is a relative comparison, and the city still experiences unsafe exposure levels, particularly for its large middle-class population, who have the flexibility to make decisions within the labour and housing markets.
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Coyoacan is a nice neighbourhood with plenty to do
Coyoacan is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Mexico City. It has retained its old-time village feel and is completely different from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city. With its cobbled streets and colourful houses, it feels like old-time Mexico.
There are plenty of attractions in Coyoacan, including the Frida Kahlo Museum (La Casa Azul), where the famed artist was born and spent her final days, and the Coyoacan Market, with its colourful stalls and grilled meats. There are also lots of great food options, including some of the city's best churros and paletas.
For film lovers, Cineteca Nacional has been one of the best places in Mexico to catch a movie for nearly 50 years. The venue shows some of the coolest indie films from various countries, with Spanish subtitles. There is also a selection of American-made movies shown in their original English versions.
If you're looking for a green space, Parque Pilares is just two subway stops north of Coyoacan. It's a nice place to walk around and explore, with basketball and soccer games, as well as pickup volleyball games on Sundays.
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Interlomas has very high costs but less pollution
Mexico City has long been a hotspot of air pollution, with the UN declaring it the most polluted city in the world in 1992. The city's unique topography, high altitude, low winds, large population, industrialisation, and proliferation of vehicles have all contributed to this issue.
While the Mexican government has implemented plans to reduce emissions, citizens looking for areas with better air quality within the city have limited options. One option that stands out is Interlomas, which sits at 2400 meters above sea level in the valley of Toluca. This area boasts less pollution compared to other parts of Mexico City, but it comes with a significant trade-off: very high costs.
The relationship between pollution, labour, and housing markets in Mexico City is complex. Individuals may require compensation through higher wages or lower housing prices to tolerate living in areas with poor air quality. This dynamic is evident in Interlomas, where the cleaner air comes at a premium.
The health and quality-of-life implications of pollution cannot be overstated. Mexico City's pollution has been linked to respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous system issues, as well as early death and reproductive health problems. As a result, some residents are willing to pay a higher price to live in less polluted areas like Interlomas, despite the financial burden.
While Interlomas offers an option for those seeking cleaner air, it is important to recognise that Mexico City's pollution problem is far from solved. The city's geographical characteristics and ongoing industrialisation present significant challenges in the quest for improved air quality.
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Cuajimalpa is medium-to-low value but has high contamination levels
Mexico City is one of the most polluted cities in the western hemisphere. The city's unique topography, low winds, tropical location, high elevation, large population, industry, and ageing vehicles all contribute to its high pollution levels. While Mexico City did not make the list of the top 25 most polluted capital cities in 2023, the air pollution levels were still above those recommended by the World Health Organization.
Cuajimalpa, officially known as Cuajimalpa de Morelos, is a neighbourhood located in Mexico City. While the neighbourhood may offer relatively lower housing prices compared to other areas in the city, it is important to consider the impact of air pollution on health and quality of life. According to IQAir, Cuajimalpa's air quality ranges from moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups. The main pollutant in Cuajimalpa is PM2.5, with a concentration of 15.7 µg/m³, which is 3.1 times the World Health Organization's annual guideline value.
The high levels of PM2.5 in Cuajimalpa are concerning due to the particles' small diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres. These fine particles can be inhaled and penetrate body tissue, triggering respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies. They have also been associated with increased mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. While rainfall can help mitigate air pollution through the process of wet deposition, the relationship between rainfall and pollution is complex, and other factors specific to Mexico City, such as its topography and low winds, contribute to the high pollution levels.
Individuals living in Cuajimalpa may be exposed to higher levels of air pollution, particularly PM2.5, which can have negative health consequences. The decision to live in the neighbourhood may involve a trade-off between housing costs and air quality. It is essential to consider the potential impacts on health and quality of life when making decisions about where to live and work. While rain can scrub air pollution from the atmosphere, it should not be relied upon as a solution, especially in an urban setting where high rainfall can be considered a negative amenity.
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Villa Milpa Alta is very rural and 25km from the Historic Centre
Mexico City is one of the most polluted cities in the western hemisphere, with over 22 million inhabitants. The city's unique topography—it sits in a bowl surrounded by mountains—traps particulate matter and other pollutants. This, combined with low winds, its tropical location, elevations over 2200 meters, a large population, industry, and an aging fleet of vehicles, creates high levels of pollution.
Villa Milpa Alta, located in the southern part of Mexico City, is about 40 kilometres from the Centro Historico. It is the second-largest borough in Mexico City but also its most rural, with farms and open spaces. The borough is composed of twelve main towns, all of which are rural, and lacks theatres, shopping centres, supermarkets, and hotels. Villa Milpa Alta, the biggest town in the area, is 25 kilometres from the Historic Centre and is the local seat of government. It is also the centre of culture and trade and has a thriving Historic Centre and public market. The town is popular during local festivities, which centre around local agricultural produce such as mole and nopales.
The borough of Milpa Alta is a traditional Aztec community where many locals speak Nahuatl as their first language. Most agriculture is still done with traditional methods, and the most important crop is the nopal cactus, with fields found everywhere, including between houses. The borough is also known for its traditional religious festivals, with about 700 per year, or about two per day. These fairs and festivals bring 1,200,000 visitors to the borough annually.
While Milpa Alta is not a tourist area, it offers ecotourism on tribal land, including guided hikes, zip lines, temazcals, and camping. Visitors to the area can also explore historic sites such as a 16th-century church with a spectacular interior and artworks dating to the viceregal era.
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Frequently asked questions
The towns and highland areas of Mexico City have the least pollution. Some examples include Acopilco, Interlomas, Cuajimalpa, and Villa Milpa Alta. These areas are also considered to be among the safest in the city.
The main sources of pollution in Mexico City are primary and secondary pollutants. Primary pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide, are emitted directly into the environment from vehicles and the combustion of fossil fuels. Secondary pollutants, such as ozone and sulfate, are formed through chemical reactions in the atmosphere.
Mexico City has long been known for its poor air quality, with the UN declaring it the most polluted city in the world in 1992. While the city's air pollution levels have improved since then, it still faces significant challenges. From 1992 to 2012, the vehicle fleet in Mexico City doubled, contributing to high levels of carbon monoxide pollution. However, due to government interventions such as fuel reformulation and public transportation expansion, there has been a decrease in pollutants like carbon monoxide, ozone, and particulate matter.
The health impacts of pollution in Mexico City are significant. Air pollution is responsible for about 5.9% of all deaths in the country and is the eighth largest cause of death. Exposure to pollutants like ozone and carbon monoxide can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, as well as affecting the central nervous system and reproductive health.
The Mexican government has implemented several measures to reduce emission levels, including requiring the reformulation of gasoline, closing or relocating polluting factories, and restricting vehicle usage on certain days. Additionally, there has been an expansion of public transportation and efforts to increase green areas and bicycle accessibility. These initiatives aim to improve air quality and reduce the health risks associated with pollution.
