Friday, April 20, 2012

Mexico:

Inside Mexico's Climate Revolution (BBC News)

Solar energy, hydro-electricity, geothermal, biofuels and nuclear are options that are going to be explored.

Following a vote in its Senate on Thursday evening, Mexico is poised to become just the second country in the world to enshrine long-term climate targets into national legislation.

The margin of the vote was huge - 78-0 - indicating that all political parties have found common ground on this issue. Now all that's needed is the signature of President Felipe Calderon, which is expected to materialise next week.

The bill enshrines a number of measures in law, including:
  • 30% reduction in emission growth measured against a "business as usual" pathway by 2020, and 50% by 2050
  • 35% of energy to come from renewable sources by 2024
  • obligation for government agencies to use renewables
  • establishment of a national mechanism for reporting on emissions in various sectors