In this book, experts in atmospheric sciences, human health, economics, social and political sciences contribute to an integrated assessment of the complex elements needed to structure air quality policy in the 21st century. The analysis is developed through a case study of the Mexico City Metropolitan Area - one of the world's largest megacities in which air pollution grew unchecked for decades. The international research team is led by Luisa T. and Mario J. Molina, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry. Improvements in Mexico City's air quality in the last decade testifies to the power of determined and enlightened policy making, and throws into relief the tough problems that remain to be solved.
The volume's first six chapters, including the contributions of over 50 distinguished scholars from Mexico and the US, outline the fundamental areas of knowledge policy makers must accommodate. The message is that only good science and well-chosen technologies can direct the way to corrective regulatory measures; but without strong commitment from government, no amount of science or technology can help.

Inhalt
One Air Quality Impacts: A Local and Global Concern.- Two Cleaning the Air: A Comparative Overview.- Three Forces Driving Pollutant Emissions in the MCMA.- Four Health Benefits of Air Pollution Control.- Five Air Pollution Science in the MCMA: Understanding Source-Receptor Relationships through Emissions Inventories, Measurements and Modeling.- Six The MCMA Transportation System: Mobility and Air Pollution.- Seven Conclusions: Key Findings and Recommendations.- Photographs.- Appendix A: Mexico Metropolitan Index For Air Quality (IMECA) and The Environmental Contingency Program.- Appendix C: List of Acronyms.- Appendix D: Glossary.- References.- About The Authors.