Guadalajara Announces First Low-Emission Zone in Mexico

The Government of Guadalajara, Jalisco, will build Mexico's first low-emission zone (LEZ). The initiative, developed under C40's Climate Action Implementation Programme (UCAP CAI) and supported by the UK government, aims to enhance urban mobility by addressing air pollution, enhancing road safety, and reducing emissions in the city’s metropolitan area. 

Guadalajara's LEZ will be located around the Ramón Corona intersection in the historic city center, visited by thousands every day. This LEZ, with an investment of US$7.3 million, follows the proven methods adopted by cities like London and Paris, regulates the access of polluting vehicles to prioritize citizen well-being over vehicular convenience. The intervention aims to alleviate congestion, reduce road injuries and deaths, and combat the climate crisis by curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

Encompassing an area of 2km², the LEZ builds on a decade-long effort to enhance mobility, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and urban green spaces. With 30km/h speed limits, designated spaces for loading and unloading goods, and other safety measures, the historic center is transforming into a healthier, more enjoyable public space.

As part of these efforts, 287 new streetlights and 346 additional trees have been installed, and only 20 out of the 77 public transportation routes in the area will remain, while the return points for the remaining 57 will be relocated within a 5-block radius.

Guadalajara’s goal is to achieve a 90% reduction in CO₂ and a 92% reduction in black carbon by 2030. The projected outcomes include an increased life expectancy of 0.46 years for intersection users and the attraction of nearly 142,000 pedestrians and over 4,900 cyclists annually.

Jalisco's vehicular population grew exponentially between 2000 and 2021, with a 221.2% increase. This growth has led to challenges such as uncontrolled urban expansion, inefficient use of public resources, traffic congestion, and social losses due to extended commuting times. In a press release, C40 says that technical studies revealed that cars are the primary source of emissions in the historic center, followed by motorcycles and light cargo vehicles. Previous interventions in Paseo Alcalde have shown promising results, mitigating 90% of greenhouse gasses and reducing road crashes by 53.3%.

According to the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO), the Mexican Valley, Saltillo, and Guadalajara were the cities with the most competitive mobility options in 2019. Only Mexico City, the State of Mexico, Jalisco, and Coahuila have a specific mobility law.

Mobility is a human right and a daily necessity, particularly for urban dwellers, says Román Meyer, Minister of Agrarian, Territorial, and Urban Development. Efficient, diverse, accessible, and sustainable mobility options are crucial for improving city residents' quality of life, health, and safety. 

Ruth Corona, Energy and Sustainable Services Director, JLL Mexico, tells MBN that proposals to decarbonize cities are needed to reintroduce nature into cities. In London, Mayor Sadiq Khan plans to make over 50% of the city green by 2050.

Jon Benjamin, UK Ambassador to Mexico, praised Guadalajara’s decision: "I am very pleased that Guadalajara is the pioneer city in Mexico and one of the first in Latin America to adopt the strategies of the Urban Climate Action Programme."

The LEZ is a remarkable strategy contributing to health, better urban spaces, road safety, and emissions reduction, says Ilan Cuperstein, Regional Director for Latin America, C40. Guadalajara's journey toward a cleaner and healthier environment stands as a model for other cities grappling with the urgent need to address the climate crisis.