Expert’s Use of Music References to Illustrate Climate Change Threat
Francisco Estrada Porrúa, head of the UNAM’s Climate Change Research Program (PINCC), employs music sector temporal references to highlight a danger: Mexico is warming more rapidly than the global average, and this acceleration has intensified in recent decades.
Background on the Researcher and His Relevance
Francisco Estrada Porrúa, the director of the Climate Change Research Program (PINCC) at Mexico’s National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), uses music-related timeframes to illustrate a threat. His work is particularly relevant as a study published in the journal Earth System Sciende Data reported on Wednesday that human-induced warming “has increased at an unprecedented rate.”
The Narrowing Window to Meet Paris Agreement Goals
The window for adhering to the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, is rapidly closing. In Mexico, the probability of extreme precipitation and temperature events in certain regions has multiplied by three and five times, respectively.
Impact on Extreme Weather Events
Estrada explains in an interview that the likelihood of extreme precipitation and temperature events has increased significantly in some Mexican regions. For instance, Hurricane Otis in 2023 intensified from a tropical storm to a Category 5 huracán in just 12 hours, causing catastrophic events along the coast of Guerrero (south).
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: How does Mexico’s temperature compare to the rest of the world?
A: Mexico is warming much faster than the global average. The global warming rate is 2 degrees per century, while Mexico experiences around 3.2 degrees per century. Some regions, like the north, see temperature increases of 6 degrees per century—three times the global average. - Q: How does this warming affect events like hurricanes?
A: The probability of extreme precipitation and temperature events in certain regions has tripled or quintupled. The rapid intensification phenomenon is exemplified by Hurricane Otis in 2023, which escalated from a tropical storm to a Category 5 huracán in 12 hours, causing catastrophic events along the coast of Guerrero. - Q: How does this warming impact daily life?
A: We’re seeing this in heatwaves. Previously, I never needed air conditioning while driving; now, I frequently do. This change in energy demand illustrates the broader impacts of global warming. - Q: What other effects does Mexico experience?
A: Approximately 27 million people in Mexico depend on maize cultivation. We’re already seeing yield losses of 5% to 20% in some states, with potential losses of up to 80% by the end of the century. These changes will impact food production, inflation, food security, social stability, and migration.
Mexico’s rapid warming, both globally and locally due to urbanization, poses significant challenges. Without preparation, these changes could lead to substantial impacts on health, labor productivity, food security, and social stability.
