Smog-induced stress for Mexico City residents

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This article is about how high levels of smog are affecting the residents of Mexico City. Word count: 492

Before reading:

      

General Knowledge:

• Can you find Mexico City on a map?
• What is smog? What causes it?

     

Speculate:

• One of Mexico City's strategies for reducing smog is to limit the number of cars on the road each day. Consider: a) How can the government make a fair rule about which cars are not driven on which days? b) What could be some of the consequences of preventing drivers from using their cars?

    

After reading:

         

Review and discuss:

• Write a 3-4 sentence summary of this article. Begin your summary with "This article is about…".
• As the article states, smog in Mexico City isn't as bad as in other parts of the world, or even as bad as in the city's own past. What can be inferred by the fact that the government is taking steps to limit smog now?
• What problems might result from not reducing the smog? Think about consequences for the environment, public health, etc.
• Imagine that you are a business owner in Mexico City. How could you help relieve the stress of the commute for your employees?
• Which types of businesses and which types of people are likely to be more affected by the car ban than others?
• In your opinion, what was the most interesting thing mentioned in this article? Why?

         

Reflect and evaluate:

• What kinds of pollution does your city struggle with? Has the government taken steps to change the situation?
• What forms of transportation do people rely on the most where you live? Do people usually use cars? Trains? Bicycles? What would happen if they had to use different transportation once a week?
• Is there anything else you'd like to know about this topic? Do you have any questions that weren't answered in the article?
• What vocabulary words were new to you in this article? Make a record of what you have learned.

          

Also in the news…

Read about other places that must deal with their smog problem:

• Southern California: Air pollution study shows children got healthier as the air got cleaner
• Italy: Milan and Rome ban cars as pollution rises
• China: China smog sparks red alerts in 10 cities

        

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