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Mitigating Carbon Emissions while Advancing National DevelopmentPriorities: The Case of Mexico

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Abstract

We analyze and integrate energy andforestry carbon mitigation scenarios for Mexicobetween the year 1994 and 2010. The energy optionsrange from efficient end-use technologies to renewabletechnologies for electricity generation. Forestryoptions include avoiding deforestation through themanagement of native forests, and two afforestationoptions: restoration plantations and agroforestrysystems. The methodology utilized to evaluatedifferent energy and forestry scenarios is based on a`bottom up' model. In the year 2010, total carbonemissions will reach 879 Tg of CO2, of which 83%comes from energy consumption. The total carbonmitigation potential reaches 348 Tg of CO2 by2010, 62% of which comes from forestry options.Mitigation costs range from $–45.9/ton CO2 to$106.4/ton CO2. Several options, particularlyconcerning energy technologies, are cost effectivefrom a national perspective. In each sector, differentbarriers can hinder the implementation of mitigationalternatives.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto de Ingenieria, UNAM, Apdo. Postal. 70-472, Coyoacan, 04510, Mexico D.F.

    Claudia Sheinbaum

  2. Instituto de Ecología, UNAM, Apdo. Postal. 52, Pátzcuaro, 61609, Michoacán, Mexico

    Omar Masera

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  1. Claudia Sheinbaum
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  2. Omar Masera
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Sheinbaum, C., Masera, O. Mitigating Carbon Emissions while Advancing National DevelopmentPriorities: The Case of Mexico. Climatic Change 47, 259–282 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005610923555

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