Mexico City completes first stage of Green Plan, reducing environmental impact

Mexico City has achieved the principal goals of the first phase its Green Plan, a comprehensive, 15-year plan to address climate change, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promote sustainable development practices among public institutions, businesses and citizens.

During the first 5-year stage of the plan, Mexico City fulfilled 35 objectives, with progress ranging from 50 to 90 percent in each the remaining 42 objectives. Reflecting on the results of the Green Plan, Mayor Marcelo Ebrard said, “The Green Plan has brought to fruition important changes in our society and promoted other necessary changes. “We must continue to move forward. There is still much to accomplish, though we have achieved the central goal.” 

The most significant accomplishments include renovating public green spaces, investing in building retrofits and green roofs; restoring natural habitats by planting trees and conserving water and soil; revamping public transportation with more fuel-efficient taxis, a low-emissions bus rapid transit system, the Ecobici bike-sharing program, and expansion of the city’s subway system; improving recycling and waste management; and closure of the city’s massive landfill, Bordo Poniente. 

Launched in August, 2007 the plan includes seven pillars: land conservation; housing and public spaces; water supply and sanitation; transportation and mobility; air pollution; waste management and recycling; and the Climate Action Program.

Mexico City’s Secretary of the Environment, Martha Delgado Peralta, outlined results which demonstrate how the Green Plan dramatically reduced GHG emissions and implemented environmentally-friendly practices:

• Transportation: Concluded construction of Metro Line 12, the longest subway line in the capital, and extended several bus lines and transportation corridors. Also completed the three phases of the bike-sharing program Ecobici, which allows residents the option of a greener and faster commute. Replaced more than 6,000 microbuses and more than 88,000 taxis with more fuel-efficient vehicles.
• Climate Change: The Climate Action Program (2008-2012) achieved a reduction of 7.7 million tons of CO2 equivalent. It substituted 6,000 lamps of low-energy lamps in 26 institutions to conserve energy, and saved more than 16% of electric energy consumption from public lighting.
• Soil conservation: Planted more than 10 million trees, published a plan for protecting natural areas and reconverted more than 1,976 acres (800 hectares) agroforestry systems.
• Housing and public spaces: Recuperated and revamped significant cultural centers including the Plaza de la Republica, Plaza Garibaldi and Plaza Hidalgo, the municipal park Alameda Central, the colonial architecture of Kiosco Marisco and a beautiful garden with cascading fountains, Jardín Centenario.
• Water conservation: Achieved a savings of 160 million liters of water per year (160,000 m3 per year) from Mexico City offices, houses and public buildings and rehabilitated 5 waste water treatment plants.
• Solid waste: Captured a monthly average of 2,850 tons per day for waste collection.

The Mariachi Music of Plaza Garibaldi

Plaza Garibaldi (or “Garibaldi”), located in the historic center of Mexico City, is a large public square where mariachi music is often played in the spirit of celebration and nostalgia. The romantic music is said to help heal broken hearts. Plaza Garibaldi offers reflection on Mexico’s rich history and culture as well as enjoying a traditional meal and visiting the native agave plant maguey. Plaza Garibaldi was renovated during Mexico’s bicentennial anniversary year by the Mexico City Government. This magic plaza keeps alive the great legends of Mexican music.

See and live the new Garibaldi by visiting today!

Links to the website Guide to the Historic Center:

• Plaza Garibaldi
• Mariachi
• Museum of Mezcal and Tequila
• La Hermosa Pulquería-one of the oldest pulquerías in the city

View a video with commentary from tourists visiting Garibaldi.

Mariachi band

1. Plaza of Garibaldi, Mexico City
2. Garden of Agaves
3. Mariachi School
4. Walkway commemorating icons of Mexican music
5. Museum of Tequila and Mezcal
6. Food Market San Camilito
7. Nighttime Panorama of Plaza Garibaldi

Mexico City Videos

The Flavors of My City		My Days In Mexico City
Mexico City: A Modern Knowledge City		24 Hours in Mexico City

Experience Mexico City’s rich culinary traditions on a delicious tour through the cosmopolitan neighborhood of Polanco.