Mexico City's Eco-Friendly Initiatives: Sustainability Spotlight

Written by Jedediah Watkins

Read Time: 5 minutes

Since being in the largest city on the Americas, I have been astounded by the sheer size and capacity of this metropolitan jungle. About 5.5 million people utilise the Metro system day to day, making it the second most crowded in the world, behind only New Delhi. On top of that there are 5 million cars in the city as well. Every day since being here the air quality on my phone has been 'poor' to 'acceptable', which combined with the 30 degree heat can be one hell of a concoction. Considering all of this and with Earth Day around the corner (April 22nd) I'd like to deep dive into the sustainability and eco-impact of this beast of a cosmopolis.

Mexico City, a sprawling cityscape known for its immense size, unique culture and buzzing energy, is also making significant strides in ecologically-friendly initiatives. From innovative waste management programs to green spaces that promote biodiversity, the city is actively working towards a more sustainable future. In this blog post, we'll delve into some of Mexico City's noteworthy policies and initiatives to explore how they are shaping the city's environmental landscape. I hope you like statistics ;)

The city came out with a 7-pronged (a sepdent if you like) plan for their sustainability initiatives in 2019. Their focuses were; integrated and sustainable mobilities, zero trash, making greener urban areas, improving air quality, creating a solar city, sustainable water management and recovering rivers and water bodies.

Brilliant Busses

One of the standout eco-friendly initiatives in Mexico City is also one of the best ways to get around, the public transportation system. The city boasts an extensive metro network (covering 226km with 195 stations), complemented by a fleet of modern buses and eco-friendly taxis to help shift the 22 million people living in the capital. With such a massive population to transport the introduction of electric buses (in 2022) and hybrid vehicles has significantly reduced emissions and improved air quality, making public transport a more sustainable option for residents and visitors alike. The electric buses particularly spark my interest, with stick arms reaching up to their electric wires serving as elevated tracks, reminding me of Manchester and Croydon trams found in the UK.

Waste management is another area where Mexico City has made substantial progress. Walking down the street you'd expect to see piles of garbage like you find in New York, Toronto or Montreal. Alas this isn't the case. The city has implemented recycling programs in collaboration with local communities, encouraging residents to sort and recycle their waste effectively. Bringing the people who live in their communities closer to engaging in the operation of said communities. Furthermore, initiatives like composting organic waste and promoting reusable packaging have contributed to reducing the city's overall waste footprint. With Mexico City being the second largest waste producing city in the world, this will need a lot of effort leading into the future.

Going Green

Mexico City's commitment to green spaces is evident in its numerous parks and gardens that serve as lungs for the city. You already know I adore these spaces, their aesthetic alone wins my heart. But to see their dual operation, as undercover green agents impresses me even more. Chapultepec Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world, is not only a recreational hub but also a sanctuary for biodiversity. The park's conservation efforts include native plant restoration, wildlife protection, and sustainable water management practices, creating a harmonious balance between urban development and environmental preservation. The city's dedication to daily maintenance of these green spaces has created oases for animals, birds and insects to thrive where once there was just concrete.

As you look out over the horizon it's easy to get lost in the vast glass expansions of the skyscrapers skewering the stratosphere. In addition to traditional parks, Mexico City has embraced rooftop gardens and green rooftops as part of its urban planning. These green spaces help reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, and provide habitats for pollinators and wildlife. They also serve as educational platforms, raising awareness about sustainable living practices among urban dwellers. Just like the trees that track the streets these elevated green islands operate as shaded spaces for people to commune and engage, sheltering the population from the dangerous high sun.

The city's commitment to sustainability extends to its cultural heritage sites as well. Historic buildings and monuments are undergoing eco-focused renovations and energy-efficient upgrades to reduce their environmental impact. Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings for eco-friendly purposes, such as cultural centers or sustainable businesses, is also encouraged as part of the city's conservation efforts.

Community-driven initiatives play a vital role in Mexico City's sustainability journey. Local organizations, environmental groups, and grassroots movements actively promote eco-friendly practices, such as tree planting campaigns, neighborhood clean-ups, and educational workshops on environmental stewardship. I have walked through empty streets in the morning to turn a corner and be met by tens of energetic and excited tree planters and street sweepers. These initiatives foster a sense of environmental responsibility and collective action among residents, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.

Mexico City's efforts have not gone unnoticed on the global stage. The city has received recognition and awards for its sustainable practices, showcasing its commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation. Collaborations with international organizations and partnerships with other cities sharing similar sustainability goals further amplify Mexico City's impact on the global sustainability agenda.

The City's Foggy Future

Mexico City is beautiful, big and bursting at the seams. It faces an endless negotiation of harboring millions of people while working on cleaning it's footprint. As we look towards the future, Mexico City's eco-friendly initiatives serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for sustainable urban development worldwide. By embracing innovation, fostering community engagement, and prioritizing environmental conservation, the city continues to pave the way towards a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for generations to come.

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