Air Quality in the Mexico Megacity

by Molina, Luisa T.; Molina, Mario J.

• ISBN13: 9781402004520
• ISBN10: 1402004524
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2002-04-01
• Publisher: Kluwer Academic Pub

Summary

The quality of the air we breathe is fundamental to the quality of life for the growing millions of people living in the world's burgeoning megacities. In this book, experts in atmospheric sciences, human health, economics, social and political sciences contribute to an integrated assessment of the complex elements needed to structure air quality policy in the 21st century. The analysis is developed through a case study of the Mexico City Metropolitan Area - one of the world's largest megacities in which air pollution grew unchecked for decades. The international research team is led by Luisa T. and Mario J. Molina, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry. Improvements in Mexico City's air quality in the last decade testifies to the power of determined and enlightened policy making, and throws into relief the tough problems that remain to be solved.The volume's first six chapters, including the contributions of over 50 distinguished scholars from Mexico and the US, outline the fundamental areas of knowledge policy makers must accommodate. The message is that only good science and well-chosen technologies can direct the way to corrective regulatory measures; but without strong commitment from government, no amount of science or technology can help.In presenting what is known about the causes and consequences of air pollution in this megacity, the authors highlight what needs to be done. Many key areas of measurement and methodology for consistently and accurately assessing air quality and its effects still require refinement.The volume concludes with an extensive list of policy recommendations, emphasizing the value of integrated assessment and a long-term perspective. Intended for the guidance of policy makers in the Mexico Megacity, these recommendations form a provocative challenge to the leadership of other megacities with looming air pollution issues.While each city - its problems, resources, and perspectives - is unique, the need for an integrated assessment of complex environmental problems is the same. The case study presented in this book demonstrates ways to work toward the comprehensive knowledge needed to build robust policy.

Table of Contents

Prologue

Preface

Air Quality Impacts: A Local and Global Concern

Introduction

Urban Air Pollution: Historical Record

Sources and Transport of Air Pollution

Impacts of Air Pollution

Conclusion

Cleaning the Air: A Comparative Overview

Introduction

Cleaning the Air: The Los Angeles Experience

Cleaning the Air: The Experience of the Mexico City Metropolitan Area

Discussion and Conclusions

Forces Driving Pollutant Emissions in the MCMA

Introduction

Population Growth

Urban Growth

Economic Growth

Production and Consumption of Energy

Erosion and Biogenic Emissions Sources

Conclusion

Health Benefits of Air Pollution Control

Introduction

Evidence of Air Pollution Exposures and Health Effects

'Back of the Envelope Risk Assessment

Approaches to Valuing Health Effects

Discussion and Conclusions

Air Pollution Science in the MCMA: Understanding Source-Receptor Relationships Through Emissions Inventories, Measurements and Modeling

Introduction

Basic Scientific Understanding and Important Questions for Policy

Measurements of Meteorology and Air Quality

Emissions Inventories

Air Pollution Modeling Applications

Scientific Understanding, Analysis of Uncertainties, Research Methods, and Recommendations

Summary of Key Recommendations

The MCMA Transportation System: Mobility and air Pollution

Introduction

Urban Transformation

Transportation Demand

Transportation Supply

Transport-Related Emissions

Regional Architecture Framework

Transportation Strategic Planning by Various Government Agencies

Key Problems and Future Policy Areas

Conclusions: Key Findings and Recommendations

Introduction

Integrated Framework for Air Quality Management Plans

Health Benefits of Pollution Control

Air Pollution Science: Understanding Source-Receptor Relationships

Options to Reduce Mobile Source Emissions and Improve Mobility

Options to Reduce Non-Transport Emissions Sources

Institutional Framework for Air Quality Management

Education and Capacity Building

Funding Mechanisms for Air Quality Programs

Summary

Photographs

Mexico Metropolitan Index for Air Quality (Imeca) and the Environmental Contingency Program

'No Driving Day' (Hoy No circula)

List of Acronyms

Glossary

References

About the Authors

Index

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