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PROS & CONS to Live in GDL | This Week in GDL

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International tournaments such as the European Karate Championships Puerto Vallarta's famous sporting events. Looking ahead, Guadalajara will be among 16 cities to host the ultra-anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup, solidifying the state's standing as a global sports destination. Guadalajara Women Open Akron Tennis Tournament, held annually in September; the , The Gay Games or the World Taekwondo Championships .

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Venice floods: 70% of historic centre under water

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A couple of years ago, I was going back home on the light rail when it suddenly started to rain very hard. Within minutes, the stations flooded, the trains stopped working, and the streets outside turned into rivers full of trapped cars. Almost everyone who lives in Guadalajara has suffered through a story like this. While it is easy to blame global weather changes like "El Niño" for these heavy storms, the real problem is how our city was built. For decades, bad planning has covered natural rivers and green areas with concrete and asphalt, so the water has nowhere to go. Therefore, if Guadalajara wants to solve this problem, we must stop using old fixes and quickly change to a Sponge City model; this means implementing real solutions like rain gardens, permeable pavements, and absorption wells to safely absorb and live with the water instead of just hiding it.

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Guadalajara has been a city that overt the years has grown a lot, the south part of Guadalajara were considerate the side of the suburbs, and me as a person who lives in the south part of the city, I can see how more people start to live on this side, increasing the traffic in the main road that cross the city. It has been a big problem when we talk about now long It takes me to translate, also how fast the city grow by new buildings and houses, but the problem involves that people’s" jobs are in the center of the city which they need to cross every day the same road creating traffic and congestion. So with that on mind I think as a solution that people who live on this side of the city most have a job near to their houses, maybe also increasing the laboral area in the south side were people can find more jobs to get to work instead of crossing all the city.

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When was the last time you spent time in a park near your home? Guadalajara has grown rapidly over the last few years, and many new buildings, roads, and neighborhoods have been built throughout the city. While this growth has brought new opportunities, it has also reduced the number of green areas available for residents. Parks and green spaces are important because they provide places to exercise, relax, and spend time with family and friends. They also help improve air quality and make cities more attractive and comfortable. Unfortunately, many areas of Guadalajara do not have enough public green spaces for the growing population. Creating new parks and protecting existing green areas could improve the quality of life and help make Guadalajara a healthier and more sustainable city.

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Traffic congestion has become one of the most significant challenges in Guadalajara, as the city continues to grow, the number of vehicles on the roads increases, causing long delays and making daily transportation more difficult for everyone. Heavy traffic not only wastes time but also contributes to air pollution and higher levels of stress. We can see how crowded streets can affect productivity when people arrive late to work, school, or important appointments. Finding effective solutions to improve mobility is essential for maintaining a better quality of life and supporting the city's future development.

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Reading the article about Guadalajara and watching the Venice video made me think a lot about what we go through here every single day. Living in the city already feels like a challenge, during the hot season, we struggle big time because water is scarce or comes out dirty due to our ancient pipes, and during the rainy season, it’s completely stressful because you just know the streets will flood, the drainage will collapse, and everything will come to a halt. Something similar happens in Venice with the floods, where people complain that the government takes years to finish infrastructure projects. I feel like the solution is to stop paving over everything and add more green spaces so the ground can actually absorb the water. Plus, the government needs to truly invest in fixing old pipes instead of just patching potholes, or like right now, how they focused 100% on the World Cup and magically found resources that supposedly didn't exist. In the end, whether it’s because we lack water or because we’re flooding, we are the ones who suffer, and it’s urgent to plan the city with the current climate in mind if we want to live in peace.

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One of the biggest challenges in Guadalajara is traffic congestion. Every day, thousands of people spend a lot of time commuting to work or school, which increases stress and air pollution. As the city continues to grow, transportation becomes more complicated.

Improving public transportation and encouraging the use of bicycles could help reduce traffic and make the city more efficient.

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Have you ever woken up, taken a breath, and felt like little pieces of glass were going down your throat and your nostrils were burning? Well, this actually happens to a lot of citizens in our city. The air quality has deteriorated and become a risk to our health. The government and its contracts with certain companies that come to Mexico to set up big factories are slowly destroying our environment, causing irreversible damage to the ozone layer. It sounds terrible and it seems like there is nothing we can do, but what if I told you there are actions we can take to reduce the damage? First of all, we can give a small donation to tree planting charities. There are communities in our city that are not widely known, like “Bosque Urbano de Extra, A.C.”; they have been working for over 15 years with the goal of making the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area the most forested region in the country. Second, we can start using other transport options, like public transport, bicycles, or electric scooters. Although this option works best in a functional city with good security conditions, this proposal is focused on short distances that do not compromise your safety. Finally, a suggestion that does not cost any money, time, or safety is massive diffusion on social media. Being informed about what is happening in the world, especially near you, and then sharing it on social media helps your community and their contacts stay aware, and avoid being fooled by the government or the industries that cause this.

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Nowadays, many cities around the world are facing different environmental problems because of climate change and urban growth. In Guadalajara, one of the biggest problems is flooding during the rainy season. Every year, heavy rains affect different areas of the city, causing traffic problems, damage to houses and cars, and dangerous situations for people. Some causes of this problem are the lack of green areas, the growth of the city, pollution, and drainage systems that are not enough for the amount of rain.

I think this situation is important because floods affect the quality of life of many people and show that cities need better planning for the future. Some possible solutions are improving the drainage systems, creating more green spaces, protecting natural areas, and making people more aware about taking care of the environment. The government and citizens need to work together because small actions, like reducing pollution and respecting natural spaces, can help prevent bigger problems.

Guadalajara is a beautiful city, but it needs changes to become a safer and more sustainable place. If people start making better decisions today, future generations will have a city with fewer environmental problems and a better quality of life.

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Nowadays, Guadalajara has a lot of flooding problems, demonstrating how badly planned the city is. A city is a big deal that has to be treated with intelligence and wisdom from the beginning, otherwise, big problems would appear in all the area and solving them could take a lot of time and money, or worse it could cost human lives. Guadalajara is built over riverbeds and streams like the most famous case of the San Juan de Dios River, which today is the street Calzada Independencia, that was once a visible river that crossed the city and was so important in the colonial Guadalajara which was founded alongside it. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was channeled underground, and the street was built over it. This and other cases make the frequently flooding issues of the city not a surprise.

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Guadalajara is a city that faces many challenges during the rainy season. Every year, floods and sinkholes cause damage to streets, vehicles, and homes, making daily life difficult for many people. In my opinion, these problems are related to poor drainage maintenance, excessive urbanization, and littering. To improve the situation, the government and citizens should work together by investing in better infrastructure, keeping drainage systems clean, and taking better care of the environment.

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What happens when urban growth is faster than city planning? In Guadalajara, disproportionate and unplanned urban growth has become one of the main challenges for the city's development. The expansion of new housing areas toward the outskirts has led to longer commuting times, increased traffic congestion, and greater pressure on natural resources and green spaces. In addition, the city often grows faster than the infrastructure and public services needed to support its population. As an architecture student, I believe it is important to analyze how these challenges affect both the city and its residents and how proper planning can help address them. Through better urban planning, a more efficient public transportation system, and sustainable development policies, Guadalajara could manage its growth in a more balanced way and build a city that is more organized, accessible, and environmentally friendly.

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Have you ever been stuck in traffic for hours or worried about flooding in the streets of Guadalajara after a heavy rain? Sadly, this is the reality for many of us who live in the city. A "five minute" trip can turn into a stressful hour long journey through potholes and flooded streets. With Guadalajara's growth, there are more cars on the roads, and flooding during the rainy season remains a serious problem. These issues not only affect people's daily lives but also their safety and quality of life. Many families suffer damage to their homes and cars. The two most significant problems facing Guadalajara today are traffic congestion and flooding. Therefore, it is important to analyze their causes and consider solutions that can make the city a safer place and improve the quality of life for its residents.

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Guadalajara is one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico, but of course, it has a very serious problem, environmental pollution. Many specialists consider that this problem has been increasing over time. This issue includes many problems in the city, like the water quality crisis, pollution of the Santiago River, the loss of green areas, and many more. However, I want to talk about air pollution because it is one of the biggest environmental concerns. This issue has become one of the main environmental and public health challenges in Guadalajara. The growth of the city, the increase in the number of vehicles, industrial emissions, and forest fires have contributed to the rise of atmospheric pollutants, which have consequences not only for the environment but also for the health of the population, especially for vulnerable groups like children, older adults, and people with respiratory diseases. That is why understanding the causes, consequences, and possible solutions related to air pollution is essential to promoting more sustainable urban development and guaranteeing the well-being of present and future generations.

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The city has grown a lot in recent years, and with more buildings and concrete, there are fewer green areas where water can be absorbed. When it rains heavily, the streets flood very quickly, which is dangerous for people and their cars. I think the main reason is that the city was not planned well enough for the amount of rain it receives. Some possible solutions are improving the drainage systems, creating more green areas, and better urban planning. Guadalajara is a great city, but it needs to take these problems seriously to protect its people.

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English:

Guadalajara is one of the most important cities in Mexico, but today it faces serious problems related to water. In recent years, many people have experienced water shortages, poor water quality, and floods during the rainy season. These problems are connected to old infrastructure, fast urban growth, and poor water management. For this reason, Guadalajara needs smarter solutions, such as improving drainage systems, repairing water infrastructure, protecting natural areas, and creating programs to save and reuse water. In conclusion, water is one of the most urgent problems because it affects daily life, health, transportation, and the future of the city. I believe that if the government and citizens work together, Guadalajara can become a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable city.

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Since the 2026 World Cup started, Guadalajara has been in constant celebration and public spaces are taken by massive crowds, but all of these is seen as exciting because is connected to football. What makes me reflect is how different these feels compered to the 8M and other protests. These makes me question when disruption is acceptable in the city and when it is not, it seems that chaos is tolerated when it comes from celebration but not when it comes from demands of justice.

My possible solution regarding this issue is: why don’t we start reflecting on the weight of our actions and how they lead to different causes? They are different, yes, but if one is a celebration (which is valid), but why wouldn’t the struggle of thousands of disappeared people, or raising our voices for our rights, be valid too?

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Guadalajara is a beautiful and modern city, but in my opinion, one of its biggest problems is the strong division between neighborhoods. Some areas are very wealthy, clean, and have many services, while others face poverty and fewer opportunities. Sometimes it feels like these parts of the city are completely different worlds. This situation affects the quality of life of many people and creates inequality within the same city. I think everyone should have access to safe public spaces, good services, and opportunities, regardless of where they live. In conclusion, Guadalajara has many positive aspects, but reducing the gap between rich and poor neighborhoods would make the city more fair and connected for everyone.

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One of the biggest challenges Guadalajara is currently dealing with is the fast pace of urban expansion and the environmental consequences that come along with it. In recent years, the city has grown significantly, but this growth has also led to issues such as traffic congestion, air pollution, reduction of green spaces, and flooding during the rainy season. Many streets and drainage systems are not adequately designed to handle heavy rainfall, which results in dangerous situations for residents and damages to homes and public areas.

Another concern is the limited environmental awareness among certain citizens and industries. Pollution in rivers and on the streets continues to harm the city’s quality of life. Possible solutions, in my view, include strengthening public transportation, increasing the number of green areas, investing in more efficient drainage infrastructure, and encouraging recycling and environmental education. Collaboration between the government and the community is essential to build a cleaner, more sustainable city for future generations.

I believe that cities like Guadalajara should prioritize sustainable urban planning, since population growth will keep advancing in the coming years. If better decisions are made today, we can enhance the quality of life for many people and lessen environmental problems in the long run.

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Living in a growing city like Guadalajara brings both advantages and challenges. One of the things I notice most is how urban expansion has changed daily life, especially in terms of transportation and the environment. As more neighborhoods are developed, the distance between home, work, and school keeps increasing, which makes commuting more difficult and time-consuming.

In addition to traffic problems, I think the reduction of green areas is also an important issue. Parks and natural spaces are not only places for recreation, but they also help reduce pollution and improve the overall quality of life in the city. Without enough green areas, cities can feel more stressful and less livable.

I believe that a more balanced urban plan is needed, where housing, work opportunities, and public spaces are better distributed across the city. This could help reduce traffic congestion and also create a healthier environment for everyone.

What do you think is the most urgent problem that Guadalajara should solve first: transportation or environmental issues?

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Guadalajara is a very important city for Mexico because of its growth. While it has many positive aspects, it also faces several problems that affect its residents. Some of the most significant are traffic, pollution, and insecurity. I believe it's important to discuss these issues because they help us better understand what's happening in our city and consider possible solutions to make Guadalajara a better place to live, as it's one of the most important tourist destinations.

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Guadalajara is one of the most important cities in Mexico, but it faces several challenges due to its rapid urban growth. One of the most serious problems is flooding during the rainy season, which affects transportation, damages property, and puts people's safety at risk. Climate change and the lack of adequate drainage systems have made these situations more frequent. As the city continues to grow, it is important to invest in smart city solutions, such as better water management systems, improved urban planning, and the use of technology to monitor weather conditions. These actions could help create a safer and more sustainable city for future generations.

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Today, in cities like Guadalajara, there are problems like traffic and pollution. Because of this, it is important to compare electric cars and gasoline cars.

Electric cars and gasoline cars are both used to transport people, but they are different. Electric cars are better for the environment because they do not produce much pollution. They use electricity instead of gas. Gasoline cars create smoke and pollution, which can harm the air and people’s health.

Another difference is the cost. Electric cars are more expensive at first, but they can save money later because electricity is cheaper than gas. Gasoline cars are cheaper to buy, but gas is expensive over time.

In conclusion, both types of cars are useful, but they are not the same. Electric cars are better for the environment, and gasoline cars are more common. I think electric cars are a better choice for the future.

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Water shortage is one of the most important problems in Guadalajara today. As the city continues to grow, the demand for water increases every year. Many neighborhoods experience water supply problems, especially during dry seasons. In addition, water waste and leaks in old infrastructure make the situation more difficult. This problem affects people's daily lives and can become more serious in the future if no action is taken. In my opinion, Guadalajara should invest in better water infrastructure, repair leaks, promote water conservation, and develop rainwater collection systems. These solutions could help ensure that future generations have access to clean and suficient water.

René González

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Guadalajara has always been a place with a lot of traffic. I remember that I used to live in the southern part of the city, near Tlajomulco, and my school was in La Calma, close to Plaza del Sol. When we had to go to school, it felt like we spent most of our time in the car.

There was always heavy traffic, and if there was an accident on the way, the trip could take up to three hours. The traffic became even worse when it rained. Many streets flooded, and it was very difficult to move around the city.

I think an easy solution would be to reduce the number of cars on the roads and limit the number of trucks during busy hours. Many times, traffic was not caused by accidents but by the large number of trucks, which usually cannot travel very fast. Another solution would be to repair the drainage and water systems, because when Guadalajara floods, it becomes almost impossible to get around the city.

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Thank you all for your incredibly insightful, honest, and deeply critical reflections on the current reality of living in Guadalajara, and other cities. It is inspiring to see how deeply you connect your daily experiences to broader global issues. You didn't just report problems; you analyzed our city's social, environmental, and political landscape with great maturity.

Here are my thoughts on the major themes and brilliant questions you raised:

Many of you highlighted the daily challenges of living in a rapidly expanding city. We face a strange paradox: struggling with water scarcity in the hot season, only for our streets to completely flood and paralyze the city during the rainy season. Your comparison to Venice’s infrastructure delays was spot on.

You also powerfully described the physical toll of environmental neglect—like waking up to air pollution that feels like "breathing glass." From ancient pipes to industrial pollution affecting the ozone layer, you correctly identified that unsustainable urban planning directly impacts our health and quality of life.

Many of you highlighted the daily challenges of living in a rapidly expanding city. We face a strange paradox: struggling with water scarcity in the hot season, only for our streets to completely flood and paralyze the city during the rainy season. Your comparison to Venice’s infrastructure delays was spot on.

You also powerfully described the physical toll of environmental neglect—like waking up to air pollution that feels like "breathing glass." From ancient pipes to industrial pollution affecting the ozone layer, you correctly identified that unsustainable urban planning directly impacts our health and quality of life.

Collective and Individual Action

I love that you didn't stop at the negative. You proposed concrete solutions:

Systemic changes: Shifting from "patching potholes" to actual structural investment, protecting natural areas, and halting excessive paving so the ground can absorb rainwater.

Individual & Local initiatives: Supporting local organizations like Bosque Urbano de Extra, A.C., opting for micro-mobility (bikes/scooters) for short distances, and using the power of social media to spread awareness and prevent communities from being misled.

A Note on Your Language Progress (B2 Level)

From a language perspective, you did a phenomenal job. You used excellent hooks (rhetorical questions), sophisticated transition words (consequently, furthermore, nevertheless), and advanced vocabulary (biocapacity, infrastructure, expansion, degradation). More importantly, you used your English as a tool for real-world advocacy.

Change is a slow process, but as many of you beautifully concluded: big changes begin with small individual choices. Keep pushing for a better, more equitable future!

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Several of you ended your posts with profound questions that deserve to be addressed directly (I tried to include all your concerns into these questions):

"When was the last time you spent time in a park near your home?" This question highlights a harsh reality. As concrete and high-rises replace our natural landscapes, accessing a clean, safe green space has unfortunately become a luxury rather than a daily habit for many tapatios.

"Which is more urgent to solve first: transportation or environmental issues?" The truth is, they are two sides of the same coin. Urban sprawl forces longer commutes, which creates more traffic, which in turn destroys our air quality and green spaces. However, looking at how our drainage systems collapse every summer, fixing our water and climate infrastructure feels like the most immediate threat to our daily safety.

"Why is chaos tolerated for a football celebration (like the World Cup), but not when raising our voices for our rights (like 8M or the disappeared)?" This is an incredibly brave and vital observation. You highlighted a profound double standard in how our city utilizes public space and resources. It is deeply frustrating to see money "magically appear" for sports infrastructure while basic civic needs are ignored. A truly sustainable city cannot just be about planting trees; it must also be built on social justice, empathy, and the right to demand peace and safety.