Mexico’s LCAP Takes Shape

4 December 2010

In line with the need to advance mitigation as well as integrating climate resilience and contributing to the MRV framework, ECO has noted the desirability of reaching an agreement in Cancun on Low Carbon Action Plans (LCAPs) for developing countries and Zero Carbon Action Plans (ZCAPs) for developed countries.  Here we note some of the positive work already happening in that regard.   
Yesterday, Mexico presented important progress on its short-term LCAP, the National Special Program on Climate Change 2009-2012 (known as PECC). Amongst its features are:
Long Term Vision: Mexico aims to reduce 50% of its emissions by 2050, from 2000 levels, going from 6.8 tonnes per capita annually now to 2.8 tonnes in 2050. Based on this goal and the PECC, Mexican emissions would peak before 2012 and gradually decrease until reaching the indicated level for 2050 around 340 Mt. However, in order to reach its reduction target, Mexico highlights that a multilateral regime needs to be established and developed countries must provide financial and technological support at an unprecedented but necessary scale.
Mitigation: The PECC intends to decouple economic growth from increasing GHG emissions. By inducing a fall in carbon intensity, the PECC gives an initial boost to the decarbonization of the Mexican economy. The 129 Mt emission reductions for the period 2008-2012 are based on a variety of measures in energy generation, agriculture, forests and other land uses (AFOLU) as well as waste.
Adaptation: In some cases (mainly AFOLU), adaptation measures are integrated with those for mitigation. The PECC identifies the need to develop integrated risk management, especially in cases related to natural phenomena such as tropical storms and droughts.
Elements of a Cross-cutting Policy: The PECC engages a variety of federal government entities in the fight against climate change with actions, objectives and methodologies. Intersectoral and institutional coordination will ensure efforts are enhanced around the economy, education, capacity building, research, sharing of information and communication.
Mexico announced yesterday it will meet its unilateral annual emission reduction target of 129 MtCO2 target for the 2008-2012 period. And Mexico also announced it would be open to third party verification of these efforts.
The economy-wide nature of Mexico’s approach and its long-term vision make it potentially a good example of long term planning, as long as it actually translates it into efforts that have funding support and political continuity. To start with, there are currently two proposals for a General Climate Law in the Legal Chambers. We certainly hope all these elements can be advanced in very short order.