Los impactos del cambio climático en la gestión del agua en la Ciudad de México

La urgencia del fortalecimiento de las capacidades de adaptación

Abstract

This research reflects on water management practices to address the main risks that Mexico City has faced throughout history. It also highlights the importance of water management in addressing climate change. A qualitative evaluation of extreme events that affected Mexico City was carried out, as well as the increase in the frequency in which they occurred. Likewise, it analyzes 24 regional climate models for three-time horizons of the Basin of Mexico to identify the climatic impacts that would be faced if the actions required were not implemented. So far, the measures implemented have not been successful in creating adaptive capacities to withstand the impacts of climate change; in consequence, the occurrence of extreme events is expected to occur with higher frequency and intensity. Droughts are the events that should receive the most attention, as they are the events that have most affected the city. However, floods have been the priority, and colossal infrastructure works have been carried out to prevent their occurrence. The estimated 24 climate change models were analyzed to assess the impacts of this phenomenon on water availability; the results provide evidence of the high vulnerability of Mexico City and the urgency to incorporate climate change into management.