Addressing Climate Change: A Collective Effort
As the effects of climate change become increasingly severe each year, it is crucial for all sectors of society to commit and contribute to reducing these impacts urgently.
In response, during the Cumbre de Rectoras y Rectores (Summit of Rectors and Rectors), 21 public and private universities signed the National Declaration for Climate Action 2025. The declaration aims to coordinate efforts against the climate emergency and mobilize climate action in Mexico.
Commitment to Tackle Environmental Challenges
During the event, university representatives reaffirmed their commitment to educating capable young individuals to face environmental challenges and utilizing scientific research to generate innovative solutions.
Juan Pablo Murra, rector of the Tecnológico de Monterrey, emphasized that adopting a proactive culture contributes to gradually fulfilling sustainable development goals, enabling a less unequal and more hopeful future.
“The urgency of mitigation is evident; it’s not about doing little, but rather seeking a new economic and social development model,” he stated.
Leonardo Lomelí, rector of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), asserted that this crisis is not merely an environmental issue but a matter of intergenerational justice, social equity, scientific sovereignty, and deepening democracy. Therefore, universities cannot remain neutral regarding the climate emergency.
“Climate change is not a future threat; it’s a present injustice. And as usual, it does not affect everyone equally; the most vulnerable groups suffer its consequences first,” he noted.
“We have a protagonist role in transforming reality, driving change through knowledge, ethics, and collective action.”
Formation of the Mexican University Network for Climate Action
During the summit, the formation of the Red Mexicana de Universidades (Mexican University Network) for Climate Action was announced. This network, composed of these institutions, commits to promoting a common agenda on sustainability.
The network aims to coordinate academic, scientific, and community capabilities to address climate change effects. It also seeks to strengthen inter-university collaboration, promote best practices, and solidify climate action within the educational sector.
The universities emphasized their goal of forming critical and capable young individuals to tackle environmental challenges and bolster resilient societies.
They agreed that scientific research is an essential tool for generating concrete responses to climate change and solutions through innovation, entrepreneurship, and public policies.
Finally, the institutions pledged to reduce their carbon footprint and enhance adaptation capabilities, recognizing the need to comply with the Paris Agreement and respond equitably.
The universities that participated in the summit and signed the National Declaration are:
- Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
- Colmex
- IPN (Instituto Politécnico Nacional)
- Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente
- Tecnológico de Monterrey
- Universidad Anáhuac
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California
- UANL (Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León)
- Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana
- Universidad Autónoma de Campeche
- Universidad de Colima
- Universidad de Guadalajara
- Universidad de Guanajuato
- Universidad de Monterrey
- Universidad del Caribe
- Universidad La Salle, A. C.
- Iberoamericana University of Mexico City
- UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México)
- Universidad Panamericana
- Tecmilenio
- Universidad Veracruzana
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main objective of the National Declaration for Climate Action 2025? The declaration aims to coordinate efforts against the climate emergency and mobilize climate action in Mexico.
- Who participated in the Cumbre de Rectoras y Rectores? The summit brought together 21 public and private universities in Mexico.
- What role do the participating universities see for themselves in addressing climate change? The universities view themselves as proactive agents of change, using education and scientific research to foster capable young individuals and generate innovative solutions.
- What is the Mexican University Network for Climate Action? It’s a network of 21 universities committed to promoting a common agenda on sustainability, coordinating capabilities, and strengthening collaboration to address climate change.
- How do the universities plan to contribute to climate action? They aim to reduce their carbon footprint, enhance adaptation capabilities, and utilize scientific research for generating concrete responses and solutions.
