Scientists turn to the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico to study Mars due to its comparable inhospitable features. The Chihuahuan Desert shares similar characteristics with the surface of Mars, such as extreme temperatures, high ultraviolet light and dunes are very similar to the area of Mars’ Gale crater,… where NASA’s Curiosity rover will land in August.
The German automaker BMW delivered 12 models of the electric Mini Cooper , Mini Es, to high profile individuals, such as government officials and researchers in Mexico City. This distribution hopes to gain information from the new drivers on the electric cars’ mobility and power consumption, as well as road… conditions in a highly congested like the Mexican capitol.
Who says rock n’ roll can’t save the world…or at least make it a better place? One of the most influential Mexican rock bands, Maná, is demonstrating that musicians can use their music and influence to make a significant difference in society. The rock band Maná, coming out of… Guadalajara, Mexico, has developed a strong adherence to environmental sustainability and awareness throughout the years. They believe in the increasing importance of the link between the environment and the economy, and have been key players in many green projects in Guadalajara and the surrounding areas. Among their environmental involvements was the creation of the Selva Negra Ecological Foundation and the Darwin Initiative project. This latest project, with the full support of the Mexican government, has the goal of protecting and preserving the La Primavera Forest region of Mexico. The area has been subjected to devastating wildfires in recent years and the project hopes to promote rural ecological development, as well as the conservation of important pockets of biodiversity. In addition, the band will directly do their part in promoting positive energy practices during their Drama y Luz World Tour. The lead singer of the rock group, Fher Olvera says, “This is one of the most important projects we have undertaken. It shows the way forward by taking practical, concrete, actions. It is not only about being committed to protecting the environment, but also protecting the livelihoods of people and their connection with nature.” Fher Olvera and the other musical men of Maná are proving that constructive change is possible through cooperation and commitment to a cause.
As energy conservation becomes a more critical priority to the larger energy world, and energy resources are strained globally, Mexico is doing its part to conserve and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Pristine beaches and endless jungles, crystalline cenotes and underground rivers, the life force of the Riviera Maya in Mexico flows in these natural wonders of the region. For centuries, the beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula lay untouched, seen only by the local Mayan residents and the thousands of species of wildlife… that call the area home. In the 1970’s, the Mexican government began to develop the area for tourism, and people from around the world began to discover the marvels of destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum. With millions of visitors each year and the numbers continuing to rise, the issue of sustainable development and tourism is vital to the Mexican Caribbean. Finding the delicate balance between the preservation of nature and culture and the economic success of the local residents will ensure that the destination has a future for all to enjoy.
The Green Growth Action Alliance was launched at the B20 Summit in Los Cabos, Mexico this past week in order to motivate the environmental development of the economy. Ditlev Engel, the President and CEO of Vestas Wind Systems, a Danish company dedicated to providing innovative manufacturing of wind energy… turbines, co-chaired the B20 Task Force on Green Growth. Engel, along with this new Green Growth Task Force team, will spend their time promoting sustainable ways of living and an end to the use of fossil fuels as primary form of energy. Engel is joined by Fulvio Conti, CEO of Enel, in co-chairing the B20 Green Growth Task Force.
Martha "Pati" Isabel Ruiz Corzo, founder of Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda (GESG) was recently honored by the National Geographic Society. The National Geographic Society Buffett Award for Leadership in Latin American Conservation was awarded to Pati Ruiz Corzo in praise of her consistent and… monumental contributions to the growing environmental movement in Mexico, as well as in other parts of Latin America.
As part of the B20 Summit in Los Cabos, Mexico, the B20 Green Growth Task Force and the World Economic Forum announced the launch of the Green Growth Action Alliance, a new partnership initiative addressing the estimated $1 trillion annual shortfall in green infrastructure investment. …
Mexico is the setting of an interesting paradox when it comes to water. Although the country is known for its significant amount of yearly rainfall, Mexico still faces notable shortages in clean water. An organization called Isla Urbana is attempting to come up with a solution to the paradox Mexico… faces in terms of water supply. The organization is dedicated to providing rainwater harvesting systems in order to address the problems of flooding and clean water scarcity. Isla Urbana targets communities subjected to water scarcity and provides them with the resources to maintain sustainable water systems.
Mexico has just received almost $400 million from the World Bank in the form of a loan and from the Forest Investment Program (FIP) in order… to develop a stronger forest protection plan. The Forest Investment Program, part of the Strategic Climate Fund (SCF), strives to combat deforestation and prevent the degradation of forests in Mexico by wildfires. The program also attempts to help developing countries reduce carbon emissions and transition to more eco-friendly foresting practices.
In 2008, Mexico followed in the environmental footsteps of cities like Boston and London in the creation of the Cleantech Challenge Mexico (CTCM). Cleantech Challenge Mexico is a tournament of sorts that was originally initiated in Nairobi, Kenya. The competition helps bring green entrepreneurs together… in order to instigate real change and environmental consciousness on issues facing our earth. Cleantech Challenge Mexico gives people the opportunity to present business proposals and the winners are then provided funding for their projects. Cleantech projects compete for $30 million in investment to start out their ventures. Dr. Luis Aguirre-Torres, the CEO and President of GreenMomentum,Inc. stated, “After the 2008 financial crisis, we started the Cleantech Challenge Mexico in order to directly contribute to the reactivation of Mexico’s economy.”
Mexican authorities are reporting that a jaguar has been spotted for the first time near Mitla, 24 miles from the southern Oaxaca state capital, Oaxaca City. Mexico’s National Commission for Protected Areas says the jaguar is the first one confirmed to exist in the area and likely migrated from Oaxaca’s Sierra Juarez mountain range. …
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Mexico City was once dubbed “Mexsicko City” because of its pollution and smog, similar to that of Los Angeles, California. Recently, however, Mexico City has made a huge improvement on the quality of its air due to a rise in awareness and various initiatives such as this one from VerdMX:… vertical gardens. Sculptures such as the arch pictured above and vertical gardens, hanging from walls, aim to clean both the air and the reputation that Mexico City gained in the 70s and 80s. As the nonprofit VerdMX states on its homepage, “better air, better economy”, making a clear link between the efficiency of ecology and its positive economic impact. Its primary function however, is to help rid the air of pollution and toxins and is a reminder for those around it how important natural life is for human health. As one of three ‘eco-sculptures’ installed across the city, the arch, holding over 50,000 plants, is both art and oxygenator. It catches the eye, and it also helps clean the air.
Suzlon Energy, one of the key wind power solutions providers in the world, has announced plans to enter the wind turbine industry in Mexico in the near future. Suzlon Energy manufactures products attributed to the wind energy industry like blades, generators, and panels. The company is dedicated to… advocating sustainability and emission control on a global level. They currently employ more than 140, 000 individuals. Suzlon Energy is dedicated to moving the global community away from a dependence on nonrenewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels, to a new reliance on replenished or renewable resources, like wind, solar, or water power.
Ford, one of Mexico’s main car exporters last year, has just announced that in the near future they will be investing $1.3 billion in the Hermosillo Ford plant in Northern Mexico. This investment will lead to the employment of around 1,000 new workers on top of the 2,700 individuals… already employed at the location. Ford’s plant in Hermosillo, Mexico will be dedicated to the increased production of its anticipated midsize 2013 Ford Fusion vehicule and its new Lincoln MKZ vehicle. The 2013 Ford Fusion, available in the fall, will represent a landmark in the progression towards sustainable transportation practices in Mexico.