Within the framework of the Paris Agreement, technology development and transfer are essential to improve resilience to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The process of generating, developing, promoting and transferring low-carbon (CO2) technology is a key element in achieving climate mitigation and adaptation goals. Hence, it is important to generate spaces for dialogue about the current situation of Mexico regarding climate change and discuss areas of opportunity for developing the necessary mechanisms to facilitate technology transfer to emerging economies.
Climate Technology Transfer Mechanisms and Networks for Latin America and the Caribbean. Speaker: Ana María Contreras (INECC)
The National Institute of Ecology and Climate Change (INECC) is a focal point in the development of technology transfer networks and the strengthening of technical capacities in Latin America and the Caribbean. Among the main activities that INECC carries out are the followi
- Constant search for ways to improve new technologies that respond to current climate change needs
- Strengthening of technology transfer centers
- Appropriate leveraging of private and public investment
- Creation and strengthening of capacities
Information and Communication Technologies for Climate Change Adaptation in Cities (TIC-A). Arturo Cadena (GIZ)
Based on the Internet of Things technology, the Internet of Trees was created, a project that focuses on citizen participation and seeks to collect relevant information on climate change mitigation and adaptation through three elements:
- A mobile application
- Environmental sensors of humidity, noise, temperature, radiation and particles of matter
- A digital multiplatform to visualize data
This project seeks to collect data about the state of urban trees in the city of Guadalajara. It does so by using the technological capabilities offered by smartphones, which include three complementary functions:
- Interactive map
- Data validator
- Learning module
A clear example of climate adaptation through digital means, TIC-A is currently in the process of being transferred to the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara. According to TIC-A, the key to a successful technology transfer process includes the following:
- Create interactive and open documentation
- Design modular systems
- Generate guided support mechanisms
- Continuously assess capabilities in cities
- Institute a pilot program
- Conduct an interactive evaluation
- Elaborate products with service schemes
The Case of Agriculture. Ernesto Fernández (FIRA)
According to the National Inventory of Emissions of Gases and Greenhouse Compounds (INEGYCEI), the agricultural sector contributes 12% of GHGs in Mexico. Through its sustainable financing strategy established in the 2013 – 2018 Institutional Plan, the Trust Funds for Rural Development (FIRA) committed itself to being a recurrent issuer of sustainable bonds. Its first green bond in the agricultural sector was for the amount of 2,500 million pesos on the Mexican Stock Exchange. FIRA’s portfolio includes green projects related to sustainable agriculture, efficient water and energy use, and biodiversity. The portfolio is supported by Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and aligned with the guidelines of the International Capital Market Association’s (ICMA) Green Bond Principles.
Early Alerts for Adaptation and Climate Services. Guadalupe Matías Ramírez (CENAPRED).
The National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED) is an important institution for knowledge production around issues relating to the reduction of natural and anthropogenic risks. Through a series of early warning systems and citizen participation, a collaboration has been created that promotes the strengthening of capacities regarding the high risk of climate change. In addition, the first flood management schemes were created by increasing knowledge around risk management, monitoring information and sharing it with the population.
The Case of Water. Claudia Cervantes, Mexican Institute of Water Technology (IMTA).
One side effect of climate change is the risk associated with water shortages caused by prolonged droughts. Water security is a matter of international relevance and crucial to the future of society. Technology transfer is particularly important in this regard because the fourth industrial revolution includes a series of technologies that can help reduce the risk associated with the scarcity of water resources throughout the country. It also plays an essential role for water security since national and subnational governments need adequate tools to manage existing resources. Through geospatial technologies, the Internet of Things and big data, large amounts of meteorological and hydrological information can be obtained and managed that help identify areas with scarce water.
The Climate Change and Innovation of Transparency Technology seminar was organized by the Mexican-German Climate Change Alliance of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and commissioned by Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) and the Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico (ITAM). Held on October 30, 2018, the seminar focused on transparency technology in the context of climate change in Mexico and existing areas of opportunity. The session forms part of a series of seminars held since 2016 that seek to generate spaces for conversation between sectors about how to better confront climate change.