October 26, 2009. - Mimicking wind-god Quetzalcoatl, Mexico has the ability to keep in check the increasingly unrestrained forces of nature and maintain harmony in the world around it, as it continues on its rapid growth path. In a present-time version of the powerful actions by the Aztec deity, adopting a series of relatively simple measures could keep under control the damaging effects of carbon emissions on the environment -which have already unleashed more frequent and powerful storms, draughts and changes in the sea levels, among others. Additionally, adopting such policies would keep Mexico on a vigorous growth path, states a World Bank study that was presented to a group of 120 lawmakers from leading economies meeting in Copenhagen to discuss steps to adopt “green” legislation in the run-up to December’s United Nations Climate Change meeting, also in Copenhagen. The gathering was co-organized by the Global Legislators Organization (GLOBE) and the COM+ Alliance of Communicators for Sustainable Development. According to “Low Carbon Development for Mexico”, carbon emissions, the environment’s worst enemy, could be reduced by 42% if Mexico takes decisive action in several key areas of its economic structure. That amounts to 477 million metric tons less of CO2 produced instead of the projected 1,137 million metric tons by 2030. In practical terms this means that carbon emissions would remain frozen at 2008 levels even as the economy grows both as per capita income and Gross Domestic Product. CO2 reductions would come mainly from agriculture and transport -two high-impact areas in climate change- but the study also suggests economies in the energy, oil and electricity sectors. About 61% of all carbon emissions result from energy consumption, especially in the industrial commercial and residential transport areas, while 21% of CO2 gases are direct consequence of land use, such as deforestation.  “Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical in Mexico, not only to address climate change but also to facilitate economic development, a key emphasis of the country’s climate change agenda”, says the study, co-authored by World Bank energy experts Todd M. Johnson, Feng Liu and Claudio Alatorre. Those damaging effects are already being felt, according to experts. From more intense and frequent hurricanes to bad droughts, Mexico is no alien to nature’s onslaughts spurred by climate change. According to Mexico’s Comisión Nacional del Agua (CONAGUA), the number of moderate to intense storms to have hit Mexico over the last 15 years has increased significantly. Between1990-2007, a total of 36 moderate to strong hurricanes made it to Mexico’s landmass in comparison to only 27 the two previous decades. Overall, 162 storms reached Mexico in the 1970-2007 period. Aware of this situation, Mexican officials have adopted a growth path with long-term and medium-term objectives to mitigate and adapt to carbon emissions, as laid out in the so-called Special Climate Change Program. “Mexico is fully aware that it will be impacted by climate change, but the good news is we have decided to act on it. This means that even though we are not a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions globally, we want to send a signal that it is important to take action,” said Ricardo Ochoa, Mexico’s Finance Ministry head of International Affairs. The study suggests Mexico take action in the following areas: - Energy: Meeting the current demand would increase CO2 emissions by 230%, but adoption of green technologies –such as wind, biomass, hydro and geothermal- could significantly reduce this threat. Several regulatory and policy reforms would be necessary to expand renewable energy use, including wind energy regulation, which right now faces red tape challenges.
- Oil and gas: The study notes the huge opportunities for reducing carbon emissions in this area without undermining Pemex’s revenues. Some of these measures include: reducing gas distribution leakage, increasing efficiency at Pemex oil, gas, and refining facilities, and realizing the cogeneration potential at Pemex’s six refineries and four petrochemical plants.
- Energy end-use: Efficiency control policies in commercial, industrial and residential sectors are critical to achieve CO2 emission ceilings. These measures should include stricter lighting, refrigeration, air conditioning and building standards.
- Transport: It’s the fastest growing sector in energy consumption and gas emissions –around 90% of the total. The report suggests several intervention measures to stop this trend, such as: optimizing transport routes, creating a fast bus system and raising vehicle energy efficiency standards.
- Agriculture: A key area for reducing carbon emissions, actions taken here would include reforestation, commercial plantations and measures to reduce emissions stemming from deforestation. Impact on food production would be minimal.
The World Bank has supported Mexico’s efforts to attain a sustainable environment with loans totaling US$2.7 billion for the 2008-2009 period. This strategy seeks to integrate environmental considerations into public policies, in order to increase competitiveness and economic and social development while simultaneously protecting the environment. The program aims to reduce air and water pollution, promote efficient use of water and energy as well as land conservation and forest resources. |
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