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04/08/2005 Entry: "Ecology of a Megalopolis"
A new reader of my blog asked me an interesting question about the ecology in Mexico City. What ecology? I’m tempted to ask. For starters, the Mexican capital enjoys the dubious privilege to be the world’s most polluted major city according to the Guinness World Records.
For example, the Metropolitan Air Quality Index (IMECA) defines ozone levels of 0-100 to be satisfactory, while increasing values up to a maximum of 300 can lead to eye and respiratory system irritation. Today’s readings on the SIMA Web site showed ozone levels in excess of 160 units. Alarmingly, this is air contamination as usual in the Valle de Mexico: I doubt that any of the 150,000 protesters chanting slogans against the lifting of AMLO’s immunity in the Zocalo noticed the toxic haze above their heads.
Unavoidably, first time travelers to Mexico City report eye irritation and breathing problems, the latter being also an effect of the high altitude (around 2400 meters above sea level for the downtown area). During 1998, I worked in the industrial area of Tlalnepantla and I was convinced that a cheese factory (camembert-style) was clandestinely operating next to the office, before being told that the strange smell was nothing more than pollution. A common joke amongst residents is that breathing air here is like smoking 2-3 packs of cigarettes a day (which may explain why “no smoking” signs are so seldom seen anywhere).
Water has nothing to envy to the ambient atmosphere, the notorious secondary effects of drinking unpurified water has led to the coining of a popular expression: Moctezuma’s Revenge. An extended stay in your bathroom is as unavoidable on your first visit as having red eyes (make sure you stock up with magazines and toilet paper). Most luxury hotels offer bottled water to brush your teeth, which I believe is pushing paranoia a little too far.
As if this wasn’t enough, there are exotic pests that will send shivers running down your spine! Behold this story: I was peacefully watching TV one evening, when I heard a suspicious faint noise in the corridor. Everything was dark, and I walked cautiously (bare footed) towards the mysterious sound. Turning on the lights, I came “face-to-stinger” with a cute little scorpion! Feeling no remorse for this not-so-endangered species, I swiftly dispatched it to the paradise of arachnids with a sweeping smash from my mountain boot. This uninvited guest had come from a neighboring construction site to meet its destiny.
Beyond these anecdotes, Mexico City’s is an ecological disaster waiting to blow in the face of its leaders, putting in jeopardy the health of millions of people.
Replies: 3 comments
As an internal comment, it would be nice to read the past comments of previous posts, even if new comments cannot be added. Try to figure it out, that would be awsome.(!)
Posted by Juliana @ 04/22/2005 01:19 PM MEX
I have read all of the stories you placed on your website, I love them I never been to Mexico City but I plan to visit. I also herd many things about how bad city life is in Mexico that’s because my dad is from Mexico him self not from the city but he said he visited once. Keep writing these grate entrees.
Posted by Osiel Rivera @ 04/21/2005 04:19 PM MEX
"In Mexico, Monterrey and Mexico City rank 87 and 126, scoring 92 and 72.5 respectively."
Monterrey ranks 87th place with 126 points
MCity ranks 126th place with 72.5 points..
Isn't it so..?
Posted by comment @ 04/14/2005 07:54 AM MEX
