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Mexico is the ideal location for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Cancun, since it is a country most likely to be negatively impacted by man-made climate change − global warming − according to a 2009 report by the World Bank Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery. Not only this, but the country also implemented measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions voluntarily.
Mexico Environmental Programs
As a developing country, Mexico stands out for its implementation of domestic environmental controls at an early stage. Mexican authorities had begun establishing programs to generate a greener economy and reduce carbon emissions in the environment from the time experts first discovered the negative impacts of man-made climate change.
Mexico is a proud example that any country can be environmentally responsible to the extent of its abilities. The government's successful program for businesses to voluntarily measure and report GHG emissions reflects the country's serious approach to environmental improvement. In fact, the number of businesses supplementing their international protocols with this program has doubled between 2006 and 2009.
Mexico's environmental commitment has extended beyond the domestic to the international community by its participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1993, signing the Kyoto Protocol* in 1998 and endorsing it in 2000.
Climate Change Conference
Hosting the 2010 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Cancun from November 29th through December 10th, Mexico demonstrates its active participation on environmental issues. This significant event includes the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) and the 6th Conference of the Parties with a meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP6).*
Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, stresses the importance of "identifying what elements they will be able to agree on in Cancun." According to Figueres, two primary elements require an agreement:
(1) Providing financial and emergency support to developing countries undergoing environmental disasters resulting from climate change.
(2) Encouraging industrialized nations to share clean energy technology with developing countries while protecting the tropical rainforests that absorb carbon emissions.
Convention Benefits
A few environmental benefits accompany the sponsorship of the climate change conference. Cancun will receive 10,000 trees and bushes to be planted along Luis Donaldo Colosio Boulevard, the main roadway from Cancun to the Riviera Maya, which will assist in carbon absorption, sequestration, and beautification.
A residual waste management program will also be established in Cancun to assist with the processing and elimination of every different kind of waste. Special trash bins will be placed throughout Cancun and in official convention areas for discarding and recycling.
Concerned that the additional energy output from holding this conference might contribute to further environmental damage due to increased GHG emissions, the Mexican government has suggested conference participants:
· Use renewable energy sources
· Neutralize greenhouse gas emissions through soil conservation programs
· Participate in reforestation programs across the world and in Mexico
· Support sustainable forest management throughout the world and in Mexico
Sustainable Tourism
The All Inclusive Riviera Maya resort featured in our tours and vacation packages, is founded on the principles of sustainable tourism, which preserves the environment and provides luxury, all inclusive accommodations. One of Mexico's few truly sustainable resorts, its performance extends beyond environmental protocols due to its eco friendly design and construction supported by its operations.
* On December 11, 1997, in Kyoto, Japan, the Kyoto Protocol was adopted, establishing customized, legally binding requirements for 37 industrialized countries and the European community to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions between 2008 and 2012.
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About the Author
Christina Famiglietti is a professional writer and editor with experience in various industries. Her most recent passion is the Mexican Caribbean, where she lives and is inspired to write about her beloved Mexico — its nature, culture, travel, and tourism.
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