Mexico City and Air Pollution
In the early 20th century, Mexico City was known for its clear skies and views of distant snowcapped mountains. Today, Mexico Cityis known as one of the world’s worst areas of air pollution. The air is so bad that children are more likely to have breathing problems and develop lung disease when they grow up. Older adults must stay indoors and limit activity. On most days, the hazy, polluted sky blocks the view of the mountains.
The City is crowded. Over 19 million people live in Mexico City, more than double the population of Georgia. In Mexico City there are thousands of factories and over 3 million cars. The factories and cars send pollution such as lead, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide into the air. Many of the cars are older models and produce even more pollution than newer cars.
Geography plays a role in the problems the city faces; it is built in a bowl shaped crater of an extinct volcano. The high elevation means the air is thin, and the exhaust from cars and factories gets trapped in the valley. Intense sunlight helps push smog, a combination of smoke and thick fog, even higher.
The government of Mexico Cityis working on several solutions to this problem. First drivers must leave their cars at home 1 day per week. Citizens are encouraged to ride buses, trains and carpool to work. Cars are inspected more often and those with bad exhaust problems must be repaired. On days of higher pollution levels certain factories are closed.
Because the population continues to grow, Mexico City must continue to find ways to clean its air. The government is working to find ways to improve the fuels used for energy. It is also working to increase the number of cars that produce little or no air pollution.
In the early 20th century, Mexico City was known for its clear skies and views of distant snowcapped mountains. Today, Mexico Cityis known as one of the world’s worst areas of air pollution. The air is so bad that children are more likely to have breathing problems and develop lung disease when they grow up. Older adults must stay indoors and limit activity. On most days, the hazy, polluted sky blocks the view of the mountains.
The City is crowded. Over 19 million people live in Mexico City, more than double the population of Georgia. In Mexico City there are thousands of factories and over 3 million cars. The factories and cars send pollution such as lead, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide into the air. Many of the cars are older models and produce even more pollution than newer cars.
Geography plays a role in the problems the city faces; it is built in a bowl shaped crater of an extinct volcano. The high elevation means the air is thin, and the exhaust from cars and factories gets trapped in the valley. Intense sunlight helps push smog, a combination of smoke and thick fog, even higher.
The government of Mexico Cityis working on several solutions to this problem. First drivers must leave their cars at home 1 day per week. Citizens are encouraged to ride buses, trains and carpool to work. Cars are inspected more often and those with bad exhaust problems must be repaired. On days of higher pollution levels certain factories are closed.
Because the population continues to grow, Mexico City must continue to find ways to clean its air. The government is working to find ways to improve the fuels used for energy. It is also working to increase the number of cars that produce little or no air pollution.
Ticket Out The Door: Write your answer to the following questions on the provided sheet.
1. How does geography play a role in Mexico City's air pollution problem? 2. Which solution is a way that the government is trying to decrease pollution in Mexico City? |