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 Editorials | Environmental | May 2007 
Mexico Announces Climate Change Strategies
 Presidency of the Republic
Mexican President Felipe Calderón began his speech by quoting Nobel Laureate Dr. Mario Molina's remark that one of the main environmental challenges facing the 21st century is climate change. He went on to say that, “Climate change involves the future of humanity, the future existence of our nation and the destiny of our children and grandchildren. Putting an end to the problem of global warming requires the commitment of society throughout the world, as well as the commitment of governments.”
Part of Mexico’s commitment, he explained, is contained in the Climate Change Strategy released today, comprised of elements from two basic agendas, the Green Agenda, i.e. what needs to be done regarding vegetation and land use; and the Gray Agenda, concerning energy generation and use. The strategy also identifies ways of reducing gas emissions, and the greenhouse effect caused by transportation, industry, agriculture, and energy production.
The president then mentioned some of the programs implemented to date by his government, such as the Pro-Tree Program, which pays for environmental services, and the launching of a dozen wastewater treatment plants. Environmental friendly housing, with solar water heaters and solar batteries that provide electric energy, has also been promoted.
Among the problems yet to be solved are technical and non-technical energy leaks that account for up to 32 percent losses, while gasoline pollutants are still far above the recommended 30 particles per million. The president declared that during his administration, environmental sustainability would be one of the government's five main priorities.
He ended by saying that although the responsibility for global warming lies more with developed than developing countries, this does not exempt the latter from their commitment to the environment. Moreover, the cost of global inaction could be between five and 20 times the foreseeable cost of measures required to halt global warming.
The president urged society to help the government to change its criteria and priorities in accordance with allocated national spending, and he asked the media to raise public awareness of climate change.
Press Release: Presidency of the Republic, May 25, 2007, Mexico City |
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