Let’s get down to work for the climate

As we head into 2023, it is becoming clear that each and every country on this planet is already suffering and suffering from the effects of the climate crisis.

Mexico is no exception: the recent emergency due to drought in large areas of the north of the country, the subsequent floods in Sonora and the scarcity of water in Baja California are just some symptoms of this planetary crisis. Catastrophes like these always affect the most vulnerable groups to a greater extent, which shows that the fight against climate change is also a matter of social justice.

The decision of the Government of Mexico would raise its emission reduction target to 35%, announced during the Climate Summit, was a clear sign of its willingness to lead the fight against climate change. As the twelfth largest emitter in the world, Mexico thus gave a much-needed positive impetus to the negotiations.

As with any goal, implementation is key. I am looking forward to discussing this with the Government of Mexico and learning, for example, about their plans to install an additional 40 gigawatts of renewable electrical capacity, capture methane emissions, expand natural protected areas, and reforest large parts of the country. In all these areas, the European Union (EU) is willing to collaborate with Mexico.

As one of the world’s leading emitters, the EU is working to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. This goal is set out in the European Climate Law and we want to move towards achieving it as soon as possible. Our transport operators, energy companies and industry are preparing for a zero emissions future. In parallel, European legislators are negotiating measures to reduce the use of chemical pesticides, as well as to protect and restore nature in the EU. Our goal is to plant 3 billion trees by 2030 and we have recently approved a law to fight against deforestation on the planet. European consumers do not want to be complicit or part of the problem: they want to eat meat and consume coffee, chocolate or palm oil responsibly and not cause deforestation in other parts of the world.

But the fight against climate change cannot be won only in the EU and Mexico; we need global action. And in all these areas, there are many opportunities for the two to collaborate more closely. When it comes to the green transition, we know how important it is to ensure a just and inclusive transition, where we work to reduce inequality and leave no one behind. Mexico is a very important trading partner for the EU in Latin America, and we must rely on it, expanding our cooperation on issues of sustainable mobility, circular economy and renewable energy. EU companies are already the main investors in the Mexican renewable energy sector.

The urgency to act against the climate and biodiversity crises is greater every day, but that does not mean that it is easy. For more than two centuries, carbon has been at the center of the global economy and development. Fortunately, production and consumption models are changing and investment in renewable energy, for example, is growing exponentially. A global hydrogen economy is rapidly developing and Mexico, with its great solar and wind potential, can greatly benefit from it.

2023 must be a key year, one of commitment, but above all of action. Let’s show the world that stepping up climate ambition is a fight for our own future and that of our children; a better, healthier and more prosperous future. The EU wishes to work hand in hand, together with Mexico, to make this global aspiration a tangible reality for the benefit of all.

*The author is Vice President of the European Commission and responsible for the European Green Pact.