Mexico faces rapid urbanization and urban sprawl, contributing to growing greenhouse gas emissions and the loss of ecosystem services. Transport is responsible for over a third of the country`s total emissions, 10% more than G20 average. Rail and domestic navigation play a minor role in sector emissions, with road causing almost 97% of emissions. Mexico‘s CO2 emissions from the transport sector have increased by 80% since 1990 and are projected to increase between 27% and 112% by 2030 under business-as-usual.
GIZ and the Mexican government cooperate to translate the Mexican Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), as well as other national and international development agendas into specific transport action at regional and local level. Next to low carbon urban development and enhancing sustainable mobility alternatives, clean energy options for both freight and passenger transport have become an important focus of the Mexican-German Cooperation.
To accelerate the Mexican transport and energy transition, GIZ cooperates with numerous cities, metropolitan regions and line ministries. The programme CiClim (Climate Protection in the Mexican Urban Policy) follows an integrated approach at the interface of urban planning, sustainable mobility and ecosystem services. For instance, the application of green infrastructure can help adapting to climate change (contributing to urban cooling) while at the same time (re-)enhancing non-motorized mobility options.
Although the Mexican government has set up important funding lines for quality public transport, investment priorities are still in favor of fossil fuel based individual transport. In 2015, about 85% of federal funds were invested in road infrastructure, while only 15% were allocated to public transport, walking & cycling.[1]
To fast-track quality public transport and zero emission projects, GIZ supports Mexican stakeholders through the C40 Cities Finance Facility. Currently, a 22km electric bus & bike corridor is being developed in Mexico City, the support of further cities is about to commence.
Prospectively, Mexico could use its strategic location and intellectual capital to become a major producer of clean-energy vehicles and underline the country’s green growth ambitions.