1999 air quality best of decade for Mexico City

Authorities report Mexico City’s air quality last year was the best of the 1990s, but they acknowledge a great deal still needs to be done to reduce smog in what is one of the world’s most polluted cities. As if to underscore the latter point, a spike of particulate contamination on Jan. 31—the worst since 1991—forced a three-day state of emergency in the capital’s southeast sector. But in 1999, the federal capital experienced 360 days without an environmental emergency, compared to just 177 during 1991, the year with the most emergencies. Officials declare environmental emergencies when air pollution exceeds limits established by the Metropolitan Environmental Commission. In emergencies, industrial activities and vehicle travel are restricted to cut emissions. The improved conditions occurred... [Log in to read more]

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