Challenges and Commitments at COP28: Mexico facing the Climate Crossroads
By: Mariana Diez Barroso Valencia
The recent Climate Change Summit (COP28) in Dubai reveals
Mexico’s commitment to the fight against climate change. Although it is one of the most
populated countries in Latin America, the modest presence of 137 participants reflects an
obvious challenge.
Agreements Signed by Mexico at COP28:
- Commitment to Triple Renewable Energy: Mexico joins more than 110
countries to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030, promoting
clean generation and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. - Sonora Project: An ambitious photovoltaic park with capacity for 1,000
megawatts, marking an advance in renewable energy. However, the need for a comprehensive
plan to completely abandon oil and gas is highlighted. - Emissions Reduction by 2030: Commitments updated in 2022 seek to
reduce emissions by 35% by 2030 without international financing and 40% with
financial support.
Pending Challenges: for Mexico
- Lack of Political Will: The lack of government interest in promoting
a real energy transition is noted, stopping the expansion of renewable energies and
strengthening the fossil fuel industry, especially through Pemex. - Fossil Fuel Dependency: Mexico faces the challenge of reducing
its dependence on the 70% of climate change-related emissions generated
by fossil fuels.
COP28 Conclusion and Future Perspectives:
The proposed agreement highlights the progressive reduction in the use of fossil fuels,
generating controversy between oil producing countries and supporters of a faster
transition towards clean technologies. The urgency of climate change is evident, but the
draft final declaration faces criticism as insufficient.
Mexico, despite its commitments, finds itself at a climate crossroads. Civil society
and parliamentarians urge a just transition, while international
pressure grows to adopt more ambitious measures consistent with the objectives of
the Paris Agreement.