Mexico City, Mexico – Despite a slowing growth rate, Mexico City and its metropolitan area are projected to add two million inhabitants by 2040, bringing the total population to approximately 23.4 million. This expansion will necessitate the occupation of over 450 additional square kilometers every ten years, a scenario for which the city is not adequately prepared, warns Roberto Ramírez Hernández, a representative from the Laboratory of Spatial Studies and Territorial Prospecting at the UNAM Institute of Economic Research (IIEc).
Chaotic Growth: A Lack of Planning
Ramírez Hernández highlighted a critical lack of urban planning, stating, “we are not accustomed to planning.” He emphasized the urgent need to “create economic and social scenarios” to “anticipate the problems” of the next 10, 15, or 20 years. These challenges include ensuring adequate water supply, waste disposal, job creation, and transportation.
While the expert acknowledges that urban mobility planning has been more effective with a “metropolitan approach,” recognizing the city as a megalopolis, other significant issues such as vehicle pollution control remain. Despite governmental efforts to contain growth and provide infrastructure, these measures have proven insufficient. Protected areas have been encroached upon, and hazardous sites like ravines have been urbanized. If current trends continue, the chaotic expansion of the metropolis is inevitable.
The High Cost of Inaction
Ramírez Hernández underscored that delaying action will lead to a more expensive, polluted, and inefficient city, ultimately diminishing the quality of life for its residents and commuters. He stressed that efficient territorial management must extend to municipalities in the State of Mexico and Hidalgo.
Studies conducted by the Laboratory indicate that significant growth will occur in the north and northeast, particularly in municipalities such as Axapusco, Texcoco, and Tizayuca. “We will have to think about providing urban services to these areas,” he noted.
Future Challenges for Guadalajara
The university specialist also raised concerns about the future of the Guadalajara metropolitan area, one of Mexico’s three largest cities with a population of five million people, urging foresight into its development over the next two to three decades.
Key Projections for Mexico City by 2040:
- Total Population: Approximately 23.4 million (an increase of 2 million from current levels).
- Land Occupation: Over 450 additional square kilometers every 10 years.
- Key Challenges: Water supply, waste disposal, employment, transportation, and pollution.
- Growth Areas: Axapusco, Texcoco, and Tizayuca in the State of Mexico and Hidalgo.
The warnings from UNAM highlight a pressing need for comprehensive and proactive urban planning to mitigate the adverse effects of rapid population growth and ensure a sustainable future for Mexico City and its surrounding regions.
Source: https://mvsnoticias.com/nacional/2026/7/7/cdmx-sumara-dos-millones-de-habitantes-para-2040-746155.html
