Understanding capacities for water resilience in Mexico City

Aguilar Flaschka, Sofia

Understanding capacities for water resilience in Mexico City

Thesis / Dissertation

2026

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Environmental and Geographical Science

Faculty

Faculty of Science

Abstract

As water crises intensify under the pressures of urbanization and climate change, resilience has become a critical framework for cities in the Global South. This dissertation focuses on the case of Mexico City and how it can shift from reactive crisis management to a more water resilient model by addressing systemic vulnerabilities. By using a mixed methods approach, including interviews with key stakeholders and a survey of city residents, this research explores the capacities required for this transition focusing on social, institutional, environmental, and infrastructural dimensions. The findings highlight that strengthening institutional capacity through transparent, accountable, and participatory governance; enhancing social resilience by addressing inequalities and fostering trust and citizen engagement; reinforcing environmental resilience through watershed protection, land use regulation, and ecosystem restoration; and modernizing infrastructure through innovation, decentralization, and sustainable solutions are all central to building long-term urban water resilience. These interconnected capacities form the foundation of a holistic governance framework that can enable Mexico City to manage risk, adapt to climate uncertainty, and ensure equitable and sustainable access to water. This dissertation underscores the importance of a systems based approach to urban water resilience, one that considers the complex interconnections between social, institutional, environmental and infrastructure systems in a context of uncertainty and vulnerability. By contributing to the growing body of knowledge on urban water resilience, this research aspires to offer insights that support sustainable water management for the future of Mexico City and other cities in the Global South facing similar challenges.

Keywords

water crisis

water resilience

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