Mexico City and Bogota are facing an ecological crisis called ‘Zero Hour’ due to an El Niñoinduced drought that is quickly draining their water reserves. Both cities could hit ‘Zero Hour’ by June unless drastic reductions in water usage are made. Cape Town’s success in managing a similar crisis serves as a glimmer of hope, but the responsibility to act decisively and responsibly lies with both city officials and residents. The situation is being exacerbated by a ‘heat dome’ created by El Niño, and potential solutions include investing in desalination plants and utilizing underground aquifers.
