The involvement of Mexico towards a Green and Sustainable Economy: the renewable energy potential

Abstract

The concept of Sustainable Development has obtained even more popularity and attention over the last decades. Worldwide political leaders and experts as well as international organizations meet regularly to discuss and find appropriate solutions to ensure an overall economic growth compatible with the integrity of ecosystems and future generations. The Green Economy model presents itself as a possible sustainable solution and it has been outlined by UNEP at the beginning of the new Millennium. My dissertation examines how the Green Economy model is finding its implementation in one of the main emerging economies: Mexico. In particular, the focus is on the renewable energy matrix of the Latin American country as it represents a high potential for the massive reduction of its fossil fuel dependency. By adopting the right mix of legislative, economic and technological measures contemplated by the model into question, Mexico has the chance to be the protagonist of an inclusive green growth in which job opportunities could proliferate and energy security could be granted to the numerous local communities that have been excluded from time immemorial. As it will be observed, the country has taken its first steps towards such a green transition thanks to a wide range of stakeholders: from Mexican Governmental institutions, local credit institutions, businesses and civil society, to international organizations and financial mechanisms. Furthermore, the international community is showing very interested in the Mexican decarbonisation as the numerous international agreements and FDI inflows witness. Nevertheless, as it will emerged in the last chapter, there are challenges that are delaying the complete success of the Green Economy approach.