Contributor:
Leonardo DiCaprio
Actor and Activist

Paul Brown:
Climate change and urban life

Comment

Urban Life

The sprawl of Mexico City, the sun bouncing off the concrete and the tarmac, and the pollution from the millions of vehicles, have changed the local climate in the capital, making it both hotter and wetter. Global warming is set to push temperatures even higher, and will make the surrounding water catchment area drier, killing the forests which feed moisture into underground aquifers providing vital water for the city. Realising they face a crisis the central government, water and city authorities are combining to combat climate change. They are controlling sprawl, building energy efficient flats for the poor, cleaning up vehicles, conserving water and planting trees. These actions address the combined problems of a changing climate and water shortages, and improve the standard of living for Mexico City’s residents.

Paul Brown

Environment Correspondent, The Guardian

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