ABSTRACT
The historical concentration of industry, increased vehicle use and greater energy consumption, combined with the city’s high altitude and natural valley setting, are some of the specific trends behind the deterioration in air quality in Mexico City despite government efforts. Consideration of the impact of Mexico City’s physical environmental deterioration on its population has focused mainly on passive responses such as changes in health and morbidity in relation to air and water pollution. In pre-Colombian times, Mexico City has exerted a strong power of attraction both economically and demographically. At the societal level, several wider country trends also emerged as important in a consideration of environmental perceptions and responses. The chapter shows the complex role migration may play in relation to population responses to environmental change as well as environmental perceptions. Individual household members, depending on their age, sex and relationship, may hold very different perceptions of the environment.
