Main causes of environmental pollution in Mexico

Main causes of environmental pollution in Mexico

By Dr. Kyle Muller

Mexico is one of the most important countries in America from the demographic point of view. This also implies the presence of more massive cities and with a considerably high population density in some cases, such as in Mexico City, in Jalisco or Guadalajara. This entails a high pollution index and, in fact, the DF is considered one of the most polluted regions in the world, especially with regard to air quality. This implies a high risk for health, as well as an important negative impact on ecosystems and biodiversity of the area. If you want to know the main causes of environmental pollution in Mexico Keep reading green ecology and we tell you.

A densely populated city: Mexico City

While it is true that environmental pollution is a general problem in the cities of Mexico, the DF is the one that stands out on others due to the high level of environmental pollution which presents, especially with regard to the air of the region. This problem began in the 60s and 70s of the twentieth century and, since then, it has been increasing until today, where it is estimated that the air pollution of Mexico City is responsible for the death of 14,000 people a year approximately.

The main problem facing Mexico City is found in the Use of combustion carswhich are the main responsible for the emission of toxic particles to the atmosphere (among which nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide) and which are the cause of respiratory diseases such as asthma or lung cancer. In this sense, one of the problems posed by the Automobile Park of Mexico is the Antiquity of many of its vehiclesmore 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 are formed in the peak hours in the Mexican capital, which lead to the issuance of these particles continuously without vehicles being moving.

All this is increased, and partly caused, by the high population density of Mexico City. Officially, Mexico City would have an estimated population close to 9 million inhabitants. However, if we count the metropolitan area as a whole, this figure is triggered to 20 million inhabitants, which, without modern and sustainable transport infrastructures, entail that the use of the private vehicle is the option preferred by the majority of citizens, which entails the very high levels of air pollution to which reference has been made.

Main causes of environmental pollution in Mexico - A densely populated city: Mexico City

A general problem of the big Mexican cities

However, although the contamination of the DF is known for being the most prominent case of environmental pollution in Mexico, it is worth mentioning that it is not the only one of the cities of the American country that suffers this problem. In all cases, it is a problem generated by the same causes, Private vehicle preference against public transport due to inefficiency and Antiquity of infrastructure of this.

In this way, it is estimated that in less than a decade, cities such as Monterrey and Guadalajara could reach the worrying standards of contamination that are observed today in Mexico City. However, it is also important industrial activity of the area It would be, together with traffic, the cause of this situation.

Main causes of environmental pollution in Mexico - a general problem of the big Mexican cities

Possible solutions

The different Mexican governments have implemented different solutions to combat the problem of pollution in the large Mexican metropolis. However, today, all of them have been insufficient to solve this pressing problem. Among some of the measures that should be implemented To improve air quality, the following would highlight:

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 ends up choosing public transport against private transport goes through Improve quality and efficiency of this, improving the transport network with new stops, new transport and price lines affordable for the majority of the population.

Electric vehicle implementation

Another of the solutions is to facilitate entry into the Mexican car park of less polluting vehicles and respectful of the environment and with health, as is the case of electric vehicles.

Reforestation

The reforestation, especially from the bordering and internal areas of Mexican metropolis, is another possible solutions to end Mexico’s environmental problems. Although some cities in Mexico have high green areas, it is necessary to reforest many of its areas, especially the border and those that are beyond the most tourist parks.

Raise awareness of the population

Finally, it is essential that the population be aware of the problem of contamination 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 for everyone will be encouraged.

If you want to read more articles similar to Main causes of environmental pollution in Mexicowe recommend that you enter our pollution category.

Kyle Muller
About the author
Dr. Kyle Muller
Dr. Kyle Mueller is a Research Analyst at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in Houston, Texas. He earned his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University in 2019, where his dissertation was supervised by Dr. Scott Bowman. Dr. Mueller's research focuses on juvenile justice policies and evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing recidivism among youth offenders. His work has been instrumental in shaping data-driven strategies within the juvenile justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation and community engagement.
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