The launch of a webpage (http://proyectos.aequum.org/proaire/) to collect citizen proposal to improve air quality in the Mexico City metropolitan area has left some environmentalists doubtful. “Simulated action against this old problem is being attempted. The ability of the government to generate democratic mechanisms for participation in the environmental agenda is still in its incipient phases,” said Rafael Huacuz, whose doctoral thesis in urban environmental studies focuses on this issue.

The Metropolitan Environmental Commission, made up of delegates from the federal, city and state governments, launched the website to collect input until July, with sights on the 2011-2020 Pro-Air program.

In Huacuz's opinion, a plan like this should include actions like the dramatic reduction in car use and fossil fuel consumption in the Mexico City area, home to more than 20 million people.