Summary
Mexico City has been growing steadily over the years, particularly during and after the pandemic. In, Mexico has Long Thirsted for Water. The Crisis is Worsening, by James Wagner, Emiliano Rodriguez and Somini Sengupta, they describe the heightened effects of water droughts caused by climate change. Unlike the United States, Mexico did not enforce the same strict restrictions. (Sheridan, 2021) This urban growth, combined with poor city planning and record breaking heat, have created the perfect conditions for severe water shortages. Today, Mexico City may soon reach “Day Zero”, when water reaches a level so critically low that it will be unable to provide any water. (Wagner, Rodriguez & Sengupta, 2024) In class we talked about the impact of climate change over water supply and the reaction of farmers to decreasing farm yields, but the impact of water shortages are felt universally and in almost every aspect of life. The Cutzamala water system is responsible for the majority of the city's water supply, about 27%.This year it is at 30% of its normal capacity, falling 15% from the previous year. Once the water supply reaches the 20% baseline, it will be unable to continue providing water for the city. (Wagner, Rodriguez & Sengupta, 2024)In response, the city has begun importing water through over 8,000 miles of piping, but over a third of this water is lost to leaks before reaching its destination. This inefficiency highlights deeper governance issues, exacerbated by the pandemic's aftermath. The influx of tourists and expats during the pandemic further strained the city's water demand. Both the past and current presidential administrations have perpetuated a legacy of underfunded infrastructure and inadequate urban planning, which have left the city ill-equipped to address these challenges.
As reported in The New York Times, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has insisted that "Day Zero" will not occur, dismissing scientists' warnings that have persisted for over 20 years. His primary solution has been to bring even more water into the city from external sources, revealing a disconnect from the realities faced by those dealing with the consequences of severe droughts. Meanwhile, Claudia Sheinbaum's administration has claimed that scientists could not have anticipated the current “prolonged drought” (Wagner, Rodriguez & Sengupta, 2024). It is striking to see leaders downplay the effects of climate change, especially as water scarcity becomes increasingly severe and begins to affect neighborhoods previously untouched by such issues. The New York Times highlights the story of Dan Hernandez, a barber in Tlalpan who had never faced water shortages at his shop until recently. The growing population in his neighborhood has placed additional strain on the water supply, forcing it to be shared among an ever-expanding community.Climate change has exacerbated these challenges, with rising temperatures intensifying water scarcity. The replacement of green spaces with concrete buildings has likely worsened the situation by contributing to higher temperatures and reduced water retention (Wagner, Rodriguez & Sengupta, 2024).
During and after the pandemic, Mexico City's appeal as a cultural and urban hub, along with its relatively relaxed COVID-19 restrictions, attracted many expats, particularly remote workers from countries like the United States. This influx further heightened the demand for water in an already stressed system.Although Mexico City has been facing the effects of droughts, water shortages and poor administration, I think that ultimately it was the change of the city’s demographics that have been able to shine light on the failure of the state and lack of urgency in its response. In Economic Fault Lines and Middle Class Fears, Walker describes the mobilization of the middle class for economic reform. This protest took place following the government's inability to respond to the crisis. The earthquake represented a breaking point in middle class relationships with the PRI regime. Will the recent demographic shifts and worsening effects of water shortages in Mexico City lead to similar citizen mobilization for change? Historically, these issues have disproportionately affected lower-income communities. However, as water shortages begin to impact more affluent areas, this could serve as a catalyst for middle-class citizens to organize and demand government action.It is crucial for the Mexican community to push for the inspection and maintenance of water infrastructure to address the significant loss of water caused by leaks and inefficiencies. This kind of collective action may be key to resolving the city’s water crisis and ensuring equitable access to this essential resource.
Wagner, L., Rodriguez, N., & Sengupta, S. (2024, May 18). Mexico City confronts a water crisis as supplies dwindle. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/18/world/americas/mexico-city-water.html
Sheridan, M. B. (2021, January 25). Mexico shunned lockdowns to avoid economic pain. Now the president has COVID-19. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/coronavirus-mexico-lockdown-lopez-obrador/2021/01/25/8d6311aa-50fc-11eb-a1f5-fdaf28cfca90_story.html
Assignment 4
Paola Becerra