1. Green House Gases (GHGs) mitigation measures taken in Mexico Elizabeth Mosqueda, SESAM, University of Flensburg Abstract: Mexico’s aspirational target will only be met if a multilateral regime is established which includes financial and technological support mechanisms from developed countries on an unprecedented scale. The eradication of measures that encourage environmental degradation and cause GHG emissions;Abstract: Mexico’s aspirational target will only be met if a multilateral regime is established which includes financial and technological support mechanisms from developed countries on an unprecedented scale. The eradication of measures that encourage environmental degradation and cause GHG emissions; Introduction: Mexico contributes 622 MtCO2e (1.6%) of GHGs. It is the 13 th polluter. Like any other country, Mexico is being affected, as 15% of its territory is threatened by global warming. The country has taken responsibility by putting in 2009 into force the Special Program on Climate Change (PECC). This program establishes that by 2050, Mexico will reduce 50% of its GHG emissions. Are the commitments to ambitious? Introduction: Mexico contributes 622 MtCO2e (1.6%) of GHGs. It is the 13 th polluter. Like any other country, Mexico is being affected, as 15% of its territory is threatened by global warming. The country has taken responsibility by putting in 2009 into force the Special Program on Climate Change (PECC). This program establishes that by 2050, Mexico will reduce 50% of its GHG emissions. Are the commitments to ambitious? Methods: The PECC follows the next strategies achievable at year 2050: a) Mitigation: -Consolidate a development pattern in which economic growth does not impact significantly on the growth of GHG emissions. b) Adaptation: -1 st Stage: Assess the country’s vulnerability and conduct an economic evaluation of priority measures -2 nd Stage: (2013 to 2030) to strengthen the strategic adaptation capacities - 3 rd Stage (2030 to 2050) to consolidate the capacities already built. Methods: The PECC follows the next strategies achievable at year 2050: a) Mitigation: -Consolidate a development pattern in which economic growth does not impact significantly on the growth of GHG emissions. b) Adaptation: -1 st Stage: Assess the country’s vulnerability and conduct an economic evaluation of priority measures -2 nd Stage: (2013 to 2030) to strengthen the strategic adaptation capacities - 3 rd Stage (2030 to 2050) to consolidate the capacities already built. Results/Achievements: a)Mitigation: - Generate 26% of all electricity with renewable energy by 2012. Today, the installed capacity of electricity generation through renewable energy is of 7%. -Adoption and implementation of sustainable agriculture and livestock production systems. -Energy efficiency savings in buildings and industrial sector, cogeneration in industry, efficiency in transport sector, reduction in transmission losses of electricity, substitution of incandescent per fluorescent lamps, green funding of sustainable households and wood efficiency stoves. -Energy integration and reconfiguration of refineries to facilitate the use of waste to energy. It would require a reconfiguration of refineries to facilitate the use of waste to energy. These measures could reduce emissions by up to 19% in 2020, but represent costs of several billion dollars. b) Adaptation: -In 2005,during the worst hurricane season, the economic costs reached 0.6% of GDP, excluding costs for human lives. Therefore, the implementation of relocation programs for human settlements and infrastructure in high risk areas, and the implementation of policies aimed at climate stability and sustainable development. Results/Achievements: a)Mitigation: - Generate 26% of all electricity with renewable energy by 2012. Today, the installed capacity of electricity generation through renewable energy is of 7%. -Adoption and implementation of sustainable agriculture and livestock production systems. -Energy efficiency savings in buildings and industrial sector, cogeneration in industry, efficiency in transport sector, reduction in transmission losses of electricity, substitution of incandescent per fluorescent lamps, green funding of sustainable households and wood efficiency stoves. -Energy integration and reconfiguration of refineries to facilitate the use of waste to energy. It would require a reconfiguration of refineries to facilitate the use of waste to energy. These measures could reduce emissions by up to 19% in 2020, but represent costs of several billion dollars. b) Adaptation: -In 2005,during the worst hurricane season, the economic costs reached 0.6% of GDP, excluding costs for human lives. Therefore, the implementation of relocation programs for human settlements and infrastructure in high risk areas, and the implementation of policies aimed at climate stability and sustainable development. Conclussion: Mexico’s aspirational target will only be met if a multilateral regime is established which includes financial and technological support mechanisms from developed countries on an unprecedented scale. Conclussion: Mexico’s aspirational target will only be met if a multilateral regime is established which includes financial and technological support mechanisms from developed countries on an unprecedented scale. Source: National GHG Emissions Inventory 2006, Energy Sector Outlooks 2008-2017 and Environmental Outlook 2030, OECD. Analysis: Semarnat, 2009. Discussion: - The modification of several practices is required, with regard to the multiple challenges posed by climate change. - Mitigation and adaptation efforts entail multiple co-benefits such as energy security, cleaner, more efficient and competitive production processes, improved air quality. Adopting the measures envisioned would thus be highly beneficial even in the absence of the climate change challenge. Discussion: - The modification of several practices is required, with regard to the multiple challenges posed by climate change. - Mitigation and adaptation efforts entail multiple co-benefits such as energy security, cleaner, more efficient and competitive production processes, improved air quality. Adopting the measures envisioned would thus be highly beneficial even in the absence of the climate change challenge.