Mexico City is facing a severe crisis as it is sinking into the ground at an alarming rate, with some areas sinking by half a meter every year. This is due to the city's location on an ancient soft clay lake bed, which is unable to support the weight of the city's massive population. The city's water supply is also under threat, as the aquifers beneath the city are being depleted, causing the soil to compact and the city to sink further.
The city's problems began over 700 years ago when the Aztecs built their capital, Tenochtitlan, on a small island in Lake Texcoco. Despite the challenges posed by the location, the city thrived, but when the Spanish arrived, they destroyed the Aztec dams and dikes, leading to flooding and other problems.
Today, Mexico City is the sixth-largest city in the world, with a population of nearly 22 million people. The city's rapid growth has put a strain on its infrastructure, leading to water shortages, air pollution, and other environmental problems. Despite efforts to address these issues, the city remains trapped in a vicious cycle of growth and decay.
The video concludes by highlighting the importance of learning and adaptation in the face of such challenges. It promotes Skillshare, an online learning platform, as a resource for individuals looking to acquire new skills and knowledge to address the complex problems facing cities like Mexico City.
Here are the facts from the text:
1. Mexico City is the sixth largest city in the world.
2. Mexico City has nearly three million more people than New York.
3. Mexico City is the largest Spanish-speaking city in the world.
4. The city is sinking into the ground at a rate of about half a meter every year.
5. Geologists predict that most of Mexico City will sink about 20 meters beneath its current level by the end of the 21st century.
6. Some areas of the city will sink more than 30 meters.
7. Mexico City was founded on a swampy island in Lake Texcoco.
8. The Aztecs built the city of Tenochtitlan on the island, which became the capital of the Aztec Empire.
9. The Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés destroyed the Aztec dams and dikes, leading to the flooding of the city.
10. The Spanish rebuilt the city, but did not replace the Aztec dams and dikes, leading to further flooding problems.
11. The city's population grew rapidly in the 20th century, leading to increased demand for water and further strain on the city's infrastructure.
12. Mexico City is located in a region that receives more rainfall than London or Seattle, but struggles to provide enough water for its citizens.
13. The city's water supply is threatened by the depletion of underground aquifers, which are being drained to meet the city's water needs.
14. The city's soil is composed of soft clay, which can behave like a liquid during earthquakes, causing buildings to collapse.
15. Mexico City is located in a seismically active zone and is prone to earthquakes.
16. The city's air pollution levels were once the worst in the world, but have been reduced in recent years.
17. The city's population explosion in the 20th century led to the growth of industries and motor vehicles, contributing to air pollution.
18. The city's high elevation, a mile and a half above sea level, means that oxygen levels are 25% lower than at sea level, making it harder for fuels to combust efficiently.
19. The city is surrounded by tall mountains, which trap pollutants and exhaust, contributing to air pollution.
20. Climate change is exacerbating the city's environmental problems, including drought and increased evaporation.