Quesada continued that Mexico is committed to combating climate change, even without other countries’ cooperation. As per the government estimates, it will suffer a heavy loss of approximately 15.3% of gross domestic product, if Mexico chose to ignore climate change, on the other side the cost of prevention over the same time would be approximately 5.6%.
Quesada said: “We are working with Costa Rica and Colombia on environment mitigation and education, and seeking a joint system for storing carbon. Climate change clearly costs more than mitigation.”
Currently, Mexico produces 5.6 metric tonnes of greenhouse gases per person, which is approximately 9% less than the world average. Between 2008 and 2012, the Mexican government has planned to curb greenhouse gas emissions 116 million metric tonnes.
Quesada added: “We aim to emit less without sacrificing growth … [the plan] helps boost foreign direct investment and budget efficiency, and create a low carbon economy.”
Mexico has began negotiations with the US and Canada, its partners in the North American Free Trade Agreement, regarding the trilateral collaboration on clean energy and energy efficiency.
