Job Discussion Forums

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Has rainy season arrived where you are? It has in Mexico City, about 3 months early. I wouldn't call a one off shower rainy season, but we're getting afternoon showers every day now, which normally doesn't start until at least May.

Brenda · Joined: 13 Feb 2003 Posts: 48 Location: Montreal, Canada

Freakish weather indeed. Here in Montreal we got over a week of really mild weather, ranging from -5 to plus 3 which everyone was hourraying about since it felt like an early spring, except me. It only makes me nervous about our earth's climatic changes. Just look at the Tsunami! Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I don't think these frequent weather oddities are good signs at all....

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Brenda · Joined: 13 Feb 2003 Posts: 48 Location: Montreal, Canada

It still makes me paranoid.... I think the earth is retaliating one way or another.

But, yes, I know what a tsunami is. Wink

thelmadatter · Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 1:29 pm Post subject: weather

Yup Ive noticed too Guy. While it hasnt rained everyday here in Toluca (just 75 clicks to the west), it has been clouding over. A bit early for it. But my old home, Arizona is getting much needed winter/spring rain after over 12 years of drought. I suspect its just a longer-term weather shift.

You know what they say "everyone complains about the weather but noone does anything about it" Wink

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

I'm not sure where the US is on this, as my access to world news is a little limited here, but they haven't even signed the Kyoto Protocol have they? Don't think Australia did either. Crying or Very sad

One of the things I wonder about is the environmental footprint I make on the world. If I live here in Spain, although I'm not my happiest, is it better for the environment because I have access to recycling programs, better public transport etc etc etc than it is for me to live in Mexico and not recycle, take smoky buses places and so forth?

Anyone know of any good environmental projects in Mexico that need an English teacher, or ex-multimedia designer??? Wink

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Actually, Mexico is into a number of programs for environmental improvement....Mexico City in particular. Hoy no Circula in DF has been around awhile, lead was banned from gasoline in the 80's (or early 90's), and the metro system is constantly improved. They recently put a second level to one of the ring highways in this city, which can be argued both for an against better air quality, but the premise was to increase the speed at whaich cars move in the city, creating more efficient burning of gas (idling engines burn gasoline very poorly).

They recently created a program to separate garbage into organic and inorganic compounds, presumably to use the organic stuff for compost..

As I mentioned, it's a matter of individual responsibility. Here we need more education and a dedicated effort to change habit. Canada needs the same thing. I remember when they implemented recycling programs in Ottawa, it took a long time to get people used to the idea of separating their garbage (big ick factor for many at the time)

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

Lozwich--Are you an experienced teacher trainer? If so I may be able to connect you with an environmental group I am going to say no to next week.

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

Thanks Moonraven, I've sent you a PM about this one.

Guy, the second floor on the freeway has certainly increased traffic flow, but what about earthquakes? Shocked

I'm with you on the need for education about this kind of thing. All of the policy in the world is worth nothing if the people who can use the technology don't know about it. Education is such a valuable tool, often misused, or forgotten about by those higher up. This is something I want to follow up in the future, but am not quite sure how to go about it, but its one of the reasons I'm returning to Mexico: to try to make positive change and some kind of positive impact on the world, in a country that I love. Never thought I'd still be so idealistic so far into my 30's! Laughing

Have a great day,
Lozwich.

MixtecaMike · Joined: 19 Nov 2003 Posts: 643 Location: Guatebad

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

I was against the construction of the second level to Periferico, preferring instead to see more light rail built. But the issue is more political than environmental in this city. Still, in the short term, it will alleviate some problems.

I heard of one plan to bring down smog levels...geniuses over in congress thought it might be wise to remove two mountains, one on either side of the city, and erect giant fans to create a wind tunnel through the city, to blow the poluttion away.

You might want to check with Greenpeace, to see if they have any active programs here. Or, check into UNAM and see what they have going on.

Maria S. · Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Posts: 8 Location: Canada

Are you joking?

"I heard of one plan to bring down smog levels...geniuses over in congress thought it might be wise to remove two mountains, one on either side of the city, and erect giant fans to create a wind tunnel through the city, to blow the poluttion away."