Overview and Importance of the Event
From October 8 to 10, Mexico City’s Bosque de Chapultepec will host “México por el Clima: Semana de Acción,” a regional impact event aiming to position Mexico as a leader in innovative solutions for combating climate change and biodiversity loss. Backed by national and international allies, the forum will gather business leaders, government representatives, academics, civil society organizations, and activists to discuss and chart a more sustainable path.
The Role of the Private Sector
Juan Carlos Zárraga, representing the Consejo Coordinador Empresarial (CCE) and an ally of the event, explained to El Economista that the private sector is committed to fighting climate change. He noted, “The topic of sustainability has been a focus for businesses for years.” Many companies now have dedicated sustainability departments, integrating financial and climate aspects.
Zárraga highlighted the sector’s concrete actions, such as signing an agreement with Mexico City’s government to make the capital low-emission. With over 100 national and international partners like Climate Group, Climate Week Latam, and the participation of the United Nations in Mexico, this event aims to set an example.
A Platform for Collaboration and Funding
Zárraga emphasized that “México por el Clima” is a crucial platform for coordinating and funding projects. “We have only one Earth and one chance to act,” he said, explaining that the event aims to facilitate dialogue and project articulation for funding solutions.
Inspired by the best practices of climate change COPs, this event will focus on three main themes:
- Planetary Awareness: To foster collective consciousness and address issues like climate justice.
- Catalyst Innovation: Focused on restoring and protecting nature, water, and biodiversity.
- Resilient Ecosystems: To drive transformation through technology and entrepreneurship.
Confirmed speakers include prominent figures such as Alicia Bárcena, Environment Secretary; Xiye Bastida, environmental activist; Peter Grohmann, UN Resident Coordinator in Mexico; and business leaders like Vijay Karia and Mark Kaplan.
Zárraga mentioned various business initiatives, including carbon capture, biodiversity protection, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water conservation in processes, and localized climate-related actions based on company locations and national climate challenges.
He concluded that addressing climate change requires a transversal approach, tackling issues like biodiversity loss, water security, food security, and greenhouse gas emissions. Various actors with differing perspectives must agree on viable solutions.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is “México por el Clima”? A regional event in Mexico City aiming to position the country as a leader in climate change and biodiversity loss solutions.
- Who is involved? Business leaders, government representatives, academics, civil society organizations, activists, and international partners.
- What are the main themes? Planetary Awareness, Catalyst Innovation, and Resilient Ecosystems.
- What is the goal of the event? To foster dialogue, project articulation, and funding for climate change solutions.
