UK and Mexico sign sustainable development agreement
Hilary Benn, the Secretary of State for Environment, Ed Miliband the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and the Mexican Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources, Juan Elvira Quesada, have signed a commitment on sustainable development and climate change as part of a successful partnership between Mexico and the UK.
The Ministers met yesterday and today as part of a state visit by the Mexican President to the UK. They discussed progress under the previous sustainable development partnership programme, which began in 2006, and outlined future priorities under the new UK-Mexico programme which will last until 2010.
The Ministers agreed there had been good progress on climate change and reducing emissions, sustainable consumption and production, and natural resource management, but agreed we needed to step up our efforts to ensure we forge a sustainable future and avoid damaging climate change.
One successful project has been reducing the emissions from Mexico City’s transport. This has led to the development of a "zero emissions corridor” along one of Mexico’s busiest roads. The UK has also shared best practice and helped Mexico carry out its own Stern Report to look at the economic impacts of climate change.
Mexico will be hosting World Environment Day in June and has committed to a reduce its carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2050. It hopes to build on the successful partnership with the UK so far.
Hilary Benn said:
“Working with another country to share what each of us has learned about sustainability is very important in the global fight against climate change and in combating the depletion of the world’s resources.
“I am very pleased that we can sign this memorandum today and that we are making great steps towards a more sustainable future. This will benefit everyone in all countries through a healthier planet.”
Minister Elvira said:
“Cooperation with the UK has really helped to push Mexico’s sustainable development and climate change policy forward.
“We will continue strengthening this cooperation for the benefit of both parties and will transfer our experience to other regions.”
Page last modified:1 April 2009
Page published: 1 April 2009