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Megalópolis Enters Phase 1 of Environmental Contingency: Doble Hoy No Circula Implemented for Jan. 2, 2025
The Megalópolis Environmental Commission (CAMe) activated Phase 1 of the Environmental Contingency in the Valley of Mexico, following increased pollution levels in various areas of Mexico City and Mexico State. This action comes in response to the New Year’s Eve celebrations. As a result, the Doble Hoy No Circula (Double No Circulation Day) policy will be in effect on January 2, 2025.
Pollution Levels High in Mexico City and State
In a statement, CAMe reported that by midday on January 1, 2025, PM2.5 particle levels reached 106.9 micrograms per cubic meter in Nezahualcóyotl and 100.2 micrograms per cubic meter in Santiago Acahualtepec. These locations are situated in Nezahualcoyotl municipality and Iztapalapa borough, respectively, in the Northeast and Southeast Zones of the Valley of Mexico.
Primary Causes: Pirotechia and Favorable Weather Conditions
The increase in particle concentrations, observed during the early morning hours, is primarily attributed to widespread use of fireworks and burning of materials and fuels. This issue was exacerbated by unfavorable conditions for pollutant dispersion, such as stability in atmospheric layers and weak winds. Additionally, two thermal inversion layers were present—one at the surface that dissipated around 9:00 AM, and another in higher layers that was expected to dissipate around midday. These conditions hinder ventilation throughout the Mexico City Metropolitan Area.
Vehicles Affected by Phase 1 Contingency Measures
On Thursday, January 2, 2025, vehicles in the following categories must refrain from circulating between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM:
- Private vehicles with verification hologram number 2
- Private vehicles with verification hologram number 1 ending in the digits 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 0
- Private vehicles with verification hologram "0" or "00" and green engraving with plate endings 1 and 2
- Vehicles without verification holograms, such as classic cars, demonstration or transit vehicles, new vehicles, or those with temporary tourist passes, foreign license plates, or letters-only plates
- Freight vehicles with local or federal registrations, excluding those participating in Mexico City and Mexico State’s Self-Regulation Program
Taxi Restrictions
Taxis with verification holograms "2", "1", "0", and "00" must also observe the restrictions outlined above, but their circulation will be limited from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Affected Areas and Mitigation Measures
Extreme pollution levels were reported in Venustiano Carranza and Iztapalapa boroughs in Mexico City, as well as in Coacalco de Berriozábal and San Agustín municipalities in Mexico State. Meanwhile, Cuauhtémoc, Iztacalco, Central Iztapalapa, and Coyoacán boroughs experienced very poor air quality.
Residents are urged to stay informed about air quality conditions through the "AIRE CDMX" application, the official government website (http://www.aire.cdmx.gob.mx/), and the official X account (@Aire_CDMX). To mitigate the situation, people are advised to:
- Avoid outdoor activities, exercise, and leisure during any time of the day.
- Refrain from smoking, especially indoors.
- Encourage and continue remote work to minimize travel.
- Use air conditioning units in recirculation mode and keep doors and windows closed.
- Avoid burning candles, wood, charcoal, or other materials indoors.
- Prohibit the burning of materials and waste, including those for training and personnel certification.
- Reduce private vehicle usage and opt for public transportation.
- Avoid using domestic chimneys.
By adhering to these guidelines and taking individual responsibility, we can work together to improve air quality in the Megalópolis area.
