Mexico and the European Union are strengthening their bilateral climate cooperation, with a focus on waste, pollution, and biodiversity. This collaboration is part of the 11th high-level dialogue organized by the Semarnat, where participants from both regions came together to discuss their interests. As part of this effort, they visited the hydrothermal carbonization plant in Poniente Bordo and held two carbonization training workshops.
Cooperation for Green Transition in Mexico
The meeting, headed by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, brought together various Mexican institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Relations, the National Forestry Commission, and the National Institute of Ecology and Climate Change. The European Commission, the Delegation of the European Union in Mexico, EU member states, and European cooperation agencies also participated. The primary goal of the meeting was to establish strategies for implementing climate and environmental protection measures, as outlined in international conventions like the UN and G20. They also evaluated actions for the upcoming COP 30 in Brazil and other agreements, such as the Paris Agreement and the global biodiversity framework of Kunming-Montreal.
So, what does this mean for Mexico’s efforts to combat climate change? Well, these types of meetings reaffirm the country’s interest in addressing the crisis, demonstrating its capacity for cooperation to achieve national plan objectives. For instance, the green transition aims to decarbonize social, environmental, and energy elements. All this is part of the Gateway Global Investment Agenda, which promotes the circular economy and frames actions to achieve this goal. The review of nationwide contributions and the implementation of strategies that incorporate biodiversity protection and citizen participation were also on the agenda.
Investment projects in climate matters
One of the key aspects discussed during the meeting was public and private investments in Mexico to confront the climate crisis and meet international treaty objectives. The visit to the hydrothermal carbonization plant is a prime example of investing in the circular economy. With an initial investment of 300 million pesos, this plant was developed jointly by the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the Ministry of Energy, and the Federal Electricity Commission. It promotes the green transition in energy and waste treatment, representing an achievement in renewable energy production by transforming organic waste into electricity.
The plant is designed to operate with zero emissions, converting dry organic waste into electricity and vegetable pellets through a gasification process. This process treats 72 tons of humid organic matter and 25 tons of dry organic matter. It’s just one of the many projects being developed in Mexico to address climate change. So, what’s the significance of this cooperation between Europe and Mexico? It’s one of the most important advances in adaptability and resilience, allowing both regions to boost development based on the circular economy and environmental respect. This joint work lays the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable future.