Two years ago, representatives of more than 190 countries signed the Paris Climate Accord at COP21. Global Network Perspectives asked experts across the network about the policies that their countries are implementing in order to meet the commitments made in the agreement—and the challenges that remain.
Two years on from the COP21 meeting in Paris, the approach is to now analyze where Mexico stands regarding the climate commitments adopted at the summit. The aim of the agreement is to restrict increasing the global temperature by two degrees Celsius in respect to the preindustrial era. Experts estimate that a reduction between 40 to 70% between 2010 and 2015 is needed in order to keep below 2°C.
In a two-year report on climate change, we found that among the measures taken by Mexico, the implementation of the General Law on Climate Change (LGCC) in 2012 was the key figure. It set ambitious targets for the reduction of emissions, and also included the development of planning tools that help ensure the communication and coordination between the different government departments.
The LGCC set optimistic mitigating goals for Mexico. This includes a 30% reduction of emissions by 2020, and a 50% cut by 2050 in relation to 2000. It also seeks an increase in the generation of green energy to 35% by 2024. While these targets are a real challenge for our country, they also put us at the forefront of the countries making a conscious effort to achieve results, which will benefit both society and the world.
In terms of innovation among the business community in Mexico, thanks to the agreement there has been an increase in efficiency and better practices in the industrial sector, particularly within smaller industries. Regulations and standards have been introduced as well as incentive programs to regulate future energy consumption, even in the energy service market. Better practices are being adopted both by the production chains and the end users. Furthermore, products made as a result of green technology are now being certified. The macroeconomic impact of the 2030 reduction forecasts a 23% increase in investment and a 5% growth in GDP, with a reduction of the unemployment rate by 4%.
Emissions are reduced, and improved international and viable practices are being introduced as a result of theses new governing structures. New methods need to be found to reach geographically isolated gas fields, especially in terms of non-conventional gas deposits, and deep water. Operational industry practices need to be assured with more competence and transparency so new international products can be introduced. In sectors such as in electricity generation and industrialization, there needs to be an increase in the use of natural gas to move away from the more heavily intense carbon fuels (coal, fuel oil, and diesel).