Challenges of Rapid Urbanization in Mexico City

Mexico City has experienced a rapid population growth in the last century, nearly doubling every decade. The city now has approximately ten thousand residents per square kilometer and more than three million registered vehicles.

During the war years in Mexico City, there was a period of economic growth and a notable population surge. Following the war, the population continued to grow at a rapid pace, with around two thousand individuals moving to Mexico City daily, leading to an increase in homelessness for many.

Reasons for the rise in fame.

The rise in Mexico City's population can be explained by a combination of factors, including the reasons why people are moving away from rural areas (push factors) and why they are attracted to Mexico City (pull factors).

One of the factors that pull people from rural areas is:

- There is a lack of work opportunities in rural areas

- Some schools are therefore reducing the level of education provided to young people.

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- The limited number of roads makes transportation more challenging.

- Running water is lacking for 80% of the population in rural areas

Land is not being properly fertilized and is being overused, leading to the waste of land that could have been fertile if used effectively.

Some of the reasons people are drawn to Mexico City are

- The wishes of rural area residents include

Employment

o Schools

Health care

Various forms of entertainment such as dances, cinemas, theatres, and other large social gatherings.

Despite knowing that conditions in Mexico City may not be perfect, many poor citizens in rural areas are willing to take the chance and believe it would be better than their current situation.

They are desperate for shelter, clean water, and improved healthcare. These individuals are often referred to as "step migrants", as they move from small rural towns to bigger rural towns and eventually to small cities before reaching Mexico City.

The city's technological and medical progress has drawn numerous individuals, resulting in a surge in population. Death rates have decreased significantly in recent decades, while birth rates continued to rise until approximately 1960.

The consequences of urbanization

The significant environmental impacts of the massive immigration influx in Mexico City are evident, with pollution emerging as a major concern. Surrounded by mountain ridges, the city's geographical landscape forms a bowl-shaped area where daily released pollutants are trapped by cold air. Despite an average elevation of 2240m above sea level, neighboring mountains tower over 5000m high. With forty-five thousand factories in operation, air quality is severely compromised, leading to health issues such as nasal inflammation affecting 98% of the population. Mexico City generates seventeen thousand tons of pollution daily, equivalent to smoking sixty cigarettes a day. Moreover, the use of leaded fuel has contributed to elevated levels of lead found in residents' blood.

While the cost of living in Mexico is comparable to that in the U.S., numerous families face financial difficulties. Parents work extensively to support their families, which often results in children also working and compromising their education and potential opportunities. This cycle persists as young females become pregnant at a young age, perpetuating poverty and constraining prospects for future generations.

The rich-poor gap in the city is widening as migrants account for 40% of the population. Consequently, the wealthy are hiring security to shield themselves from beggars and thieves, while jobless individuals frequently approach the affluent for financial assistance.

Unless new migrants are fortunate enough to have accommodation upon arrival, the majority find themselves without a place to live and are forced to construct their own housing. This results in the expansion of Mexico City as more houses are built, complicating transportation and increasing pollution levels. Moreover, many of these makeshift structures lack basic utilities such as safe drinking water, underground sewers, and other essential services. As a result, sixty percent of the population resides in unauthorized settlements.

Resources are dwindling in Mexico City instead of growing, making it difficult to meet the needs of the increasing number of immigrants. With limited resources available, residents are forced to share, resulting in less food for those who are already struggling financially.

Out of the 11000 tonnes of garbage produced daily, only 75% is collected and disposed of properly.

3. Evaluation of efforts made to address the problems/issues.

There are various strategies already proposed and implemented to help improve the environment in Mexico City. The government has implemented a law that requires family-owned cars to only be driven for three days before taking a day off. Unfortunately, wealthier families have purchased multiple cars to bypass this rule, resulting in even more cars being built and manufactured, further contributing to environmental issues. Another solution for a cleaner environment is the introduction of new buses that are both cleaner and more efficient. In recent years, the government has also been enacting stricter regulations to emphasize the significance of addressing pollution problems.

The unemployed can be trained in new skills in order to empower them to generate their own income by crafting useful items and providing assistance to others.

Governments of economically developed and less developed nations are collaborating to enhance the workforce. Currently, there is uncontrolled migration into cities, necessitating a better system. More economically advanced countries should assist not only through donations but also by constructing homes and boosting Mexico's economy.