Compare and Contrast the Air Pollution Problems in Beijing and Mexico

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The Answer is Beijing has the worst air quality in the world. The primary causes of the air pollution problems are a rapidly-increasing population and the resulting increases in automobile exhaust, dust from construction sites, and coal-powered electricity production. In preparation for the 2008 summer Olympics, Beijing took significant steps to decrease its air pollution. Efforts included increasing public transportation, improving power plants and switching to low-sulfur coal, and improving automobile emission standards.
Air pollution in Mexico City is primarily caused by automobile exhaust from older vehicles (gasoline in Mexico also contains many contaminants), dried fecal matter from sewage, and leaks from liquefied petroleum gas lines. In addition to its large population, Mexico City's air pollution problems are related to its topographical setting. Mexico City is located in a bowl-shaped valley ringed on three sides by mountains, making temperature inversions fairly common during the late fall and early winter months. To improve Mexico City's air quality, steps have been taken to introduce cleaner vehicles, cleaner gasoline, driving restrictions, and emissions testing. Moreover, Mexico's national oil company has upgraded its refineries, and increased imports of cleaner fuel from the United States.

Compare and Contrast the Air Pollution Problems in Beijing and Mexico

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