Mexico City Plans New Measures to Combat Air Pollution

Mexico City authorities are planning new measures to address air quality challenges after experiencing nine air pollution alerts in the first half of the year. "The Executive Coordination of the Environmental Commission of the Megalopolis (CAMe), the Ministry of Environment (SEDEMA) and Natural Resources, and environmental authorities from Mexico City and the State of Mexico will continue to monitor air quality and meteorological conditions closely.

Martí Batres, Mexico City Mayor, announced that discussions with the Ministry of Environment are underway to explore strategies to improve air quality. Batres highlighted that the high concentration of pollutants results from heat, lack of wind, and fires. “We will analyze with SEDEMA and other agencies what additional measures can be taken and will inform you accordingly,” Batres said in a press conference.

Among the potential measures under consideration are stricter emission controls, enhanced monitoring of industrial activities, and increased green space initiatives to mitigate the impact of pollutants. The government is also looking into public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about ways to reduce air pollution, including reducing vehicle use and avoiding activities that contribute to air quality deterioration during high-risk periods.

On Sunday afternoon, CAMe suspended Phase 1 of the ninth air pollution alert of 2024. This marked a significant improvement in air quality, potentially avoiding the worst-case scenario for pollution levels in Mexico City. CAMe's decision to suspend the environmental contingency in the Valley of Mexico follows significant improvements in air quality, observed due to a decrease in the intensity of the high-pressure system and an increase in mid-atmosphere wind speeds and humidity.