On March 26, 2016 winds changed from the traditional pattern in the valley of Mexico (out of NW) and provided the city with a nice southerly breeze. That did a couple of things. It brought warm air out of the Pacific Ocean breaking a cool spell and it pushed the industrial filth back out of the city that emanates from neighboring Toluca and the industrial area in the northern part of Mexico City. We experience probably a dozen days a year like this in MC. The rest? Well, it’s not pretty. The photos below give you an idea….
Mexico City from Mt. Ajusco on a rare clear day
Mexico City from Mt. Ajusco on one of the worst smoggy days
The shot at right was taken yesterday May 5, 2016 from the same spot. For several weeks the pollution has been so bad that the Mexico City government has implemented what it calls “no circula”. This austerity measure limits cars from operating in the city on certain days based on license plate numbers. As usual, the government focuses on things that contribute but are not the main cause of the problem which is the unrelenting, polluting industry – much of which has moved here from the US to escape environmental regulations. While regulations do exist here, they are seldom enforced.
A similar situation recently occurred in California where severe drought prompted restaurants to offer glasses of water at your table “upon request” only. People drinking water at their dining table, of course, may contribute ever so slightly but was by no means a key factor in California’s water woes. One business associate of mine calls this phenomenon “majoring in the minor” and you see it all the time.
So, as industry goes merrily along filling the skies with filth here, we’re walking. Actually, not a bad way to get around in MC.
PS: Next time you think about or discuss “climate change” try to remember these pictures. Mexico City is a terribly extreme, acute example of how humans are changing the climate. No one with any sense could look at what’s going on here and say that humans are not causing climate change. Let’s all hope we start soon to look for ways to change it for the better.