Dear Camila Zepeda, General Director for Global Affairs at the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, atencionciudadana@sre.gob.mx
My name is Pablo Necoechea. I am the Country Manager for Mexico for Climate Scorecard, a non-profit organization that monitors leading greenhouse gas-emitting countries’ climate policies and programs.
Based on a review of Mexico’s policies, much can be done to increase Mexico’s climate ambition to achieve the global goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Therefore, we suggest you adopt the following goals and announce these goals at COP28.
#1 Mexico announces it will strengthen its Paris Agreement pledge: As of 2022, Mexico pledged to achieve a target reduction of 35% (gigatons) by 2030 from business-as-usual levels. Mexico also announced that it intends to deploy more than 30 gigawatts of combined wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectricity capacity by 2030, reaching more than 40 gigawatts of cooperative wind and solar power. Mexico’s commitment to climate action is significant, given the country’s vulnerability to climate change.
We suggest that you announce a review of this and other related goals at COP28. We recommend that you declare that by 2030, Mexico will reduce its emissions by 40%. Meeting this goal will require a concerted effort from the Mexican government. However, this goal can be achieved by:
- Increasing the share of renewable energy in the electricity mix. Mexico currently has a target of 35% renewable energy by 2030, which could be increased to 40% or 50%.
- Phasing out coal-fired power plants. Coal is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel, so phasing out coal-fired power plants would significantly reduce emissions.
- Improving public transportation and promoting electric vehicles. Transportation is a significant source of emissions in Mexico, so improving public transportation and promoting electric vehicles would help to reduce emissions from this sector.
- Investing in energy efficiency measures for buildings and industry. Buildings and industry are also significant sources of emissions, so investing in energy efficiency measures would help to reduce emissions from these sectors.
# 2 Mexico needs to announce it will end the production of fossil fuels. In 2022, Mexico produced nearly 2 million barrels per day (b/d) of oil, making it one of the largest oil producers in the world. Mexico also has a significant amount of natural gas, with production in 2022 totalling 0.8 trillion cubic feet.
However, Mexico could target ending fossil fuel production by 2050. This would be ambitious, but it is achievable with the right policies. This goal can be achieved by:
- Increasing the share of renewable energy in the electricity mix to 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2040. Mexico has abundant renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and geothermal. The government should provide incentives for developing renewable energy projects and invest in the infrastructure needed to support their integration into the grid.
- Electrifying the transportation sector. This would involve switching from gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles. The government could provide incentives to purchase electric vehicles and invest in charging infrastructure.
- Improving energy efficiency in buildings and industry. This could involve insulation, energy-efficient appliances, and more efficient industrial processes. The government could provide incentives for energy efficiency upgrades and invest in research and development of new energy-efficient technologies.
- Promoting sustainable agriculture practices. This could involve measures such as reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides and planting trees and other crops that absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The government could provide support for farmers to adopt sustainable agriculture practices.
I hope you will incorporate these suggestions in your presentation at COP28, and I look forward to hearing back from you.
Sincerely,
Pablo Necoechea
Climate Scorecard —- Country Manager