Abstract
More than half of the world’s population now lives in cities as a result of unprecedented urbanization during the second half of the 20th century. The urban population is projected to increase to 68% by 2050, with most of the increase occurring in Asia and Africa. Population growth and increased energy consumption in urban areas lead to high levels of atmospheric pollutants that harm human health, cause regional haze, damage crops, contribute to climate change, and ultimately threaten the society’s sustainability. This article reviews the air quality and compares the policies implemented in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA) and Singapore and offers insights into the complexity of managing air pollution to protect public health and the environment. While the differences in the governance, economics, and culture of the two cities greatly influence the decision-making process, both have made much progress in reducing concentrations of harmful pollutants by implementing comprehensive integrated air quality management programs. The experience and the lessons learned from the MCMA and Singapore can be valuable for other urban centers, especially in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region confronting similar air pollution problems.
Highlights
The number, size, and geographical distribution of large urban centers have increased dramatically during the second half of the 20th century
Estimates suggest that 65% of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA) is consumed in the residential sector for cooking and water heating [47], while over 70% of compressed natural gas (CNG) is consumed by industries [25]
The results showed that LPG use was an important source of low molecular weight alkanes, while evaporative fuel and industrial emissions were important sources for aromatic Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and methanol in the basin
Summary
The number, size, and geographical distribution of large urban centers have increased dramatically during the second half of the 20th century. While there are similarities between the two urban centers as both are challenged to control severe air pollution as a result of rapid population growth, industrialization, and motorization, there are some important differences. The differences in the governance, economics, and culture of the two cities greatly influence the decision-making process Both cities have worked to overcome severe air pollution problems; Singapore has become one of the cleanest cities in Asia while Mexico City has become a model for the emerging cities in the developing world. Both cities face ongoing challenges to continue reducing concentrations of harmful pollutants to protect the population, as presented in this article.
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