Mexico is one of the most important countries in America from a demographic point of view. This also implies the presence of more crowded cities with a considerably high population density in some cases, as for example in Mexico City, Jalisco or Guadalajara. This leads to a high rate of pollution and, in fact, Mexico City is considered one of the most polluted regions in the world, especially when it comes to air quality. This implies a high risk to health, as well as a significant negative impact on the ecosystems and biodiversity of the area. If you want to know the main causes of environmental pollution in Mexico, keep reading AgroCorrn and we will tell you about it.
- A densely populated city: Mexico City
- A general problem of large Mexican cities
- Possible solutions
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A densely populated city: Mexico City
Although it is true that environmental pollution is a general problem in the cities of Mexico, the DF is the one that stands out above the others due to the high level of environmental pollution it presents, especially with regard to the air in the region. This problem began in the 60s and 70s of the 20th century and, since then, has been increasing until today, where it is estimated that air pollution in Mexico City is responsible for the death of approximately 14,000 people a year. .
The main problem Mexico City faces is found in the use of combustion cars , which are mainly responsible for the emission of toxic particles into the atmosphere (among which nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide stand out). ) and that are the cause of respiratory diseases such as asthma or lung cancer. In this sense, one of the problems posed by the Mexican car fleet is the age of many of its vehicles, more pollutants than many contemporary models we adapt to reduce the emission of polluting particles. In addition, to this we must add the traffic jams that form at peak times in the Mexican capital, which lead to the emission of these particles continuously without the vehicles being in motion.
All this is increased, and in part caused, by the high population density of Mexico City . Officially, Mexico City would have an estimated population of close to 9 million inhabitants. However, if we count the metropolitan area as a whole, this figure shoots up to 20 million inhabitants, which, without modern and sustainable transport infrastructures, means that the use of private vehicles is the preferred option for the majority of citizens, which leads to the very high levels of air pollution referred to.
A general problem of large Mexican cities
However, although Mexico City’s pollution is known to be the most prominent case of environmental pollution in Mexico, it is worth mentioning that it is not the only city in the American country that suffers from this problem. In all cases, it is a problem generated by the same causes, preference of the private vehicle over public transport due to the inefficiency and age of its infrastructures .
In this way, it is estimated that in less than a decade, cities such as Monterrey and Guadalajara could reach the worrying pollution standards observed today in Mexico City. However, it is also important to clarify that, in cases such as Monterrey, the high pollution would not come exclusively from road traffic, but rather the high industrial activity in the area would be, together with traffic, the cause of this situation.
Possible solutions
The different Mexican governments have been implementing different solutions to combat the problem of pollution in the large Mexican metropolises. However, to date, all of them have proven insufficient to solve this pressing problem. Some of the measures that should be implemented to improve air quality include the following:
Improve public transport infrastructure
It is evident that the population has to move within the cities. The only way in which a number of citizens end up choosing public transport over private transport is to improve its quality and efficiency , improving the transport network with new stops, new transport lines and affordable prices for the majority of the population.
Implementation of the electric vehicle
Another solution is to facilitate the entry into the Mexican car park of less polluting vehicles that are respectful of the environment and health, such as electric vehicles.
Reforestation
The reforestation , especially in border and internal areas of the Mexican metropolis, is another possible solutions to overcome environmental problems in Mexico. Despite the fact that some cities in Mexico have large green areas, it is necessary to reforest many of their areas, especially the bordering ones and those that are beyond the most touristy parks.
Raise awareness
Finally, it is essential that the population become aware of the problem posed by pollution so that they are the first to take the recommended measures in each case to minimize its impact. In this way, the use of responsible and sustainable transport will be promoted for the benefit of all.
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