Mexico and Latin American Climate Protection Programs
Climate Observatory Program
The Climate Institute is building the world’s highest climate observatory (15,000 ft/4500 m) in the National Park de Orizaba atop Sierra Negra in Pico de Orizaba Park in the State of Puebla. The observatory will be located next to the Large Millimeter Telescope, the largest and most sensitive single-aperture telescope in its frequency in the world.
The High Altitude Global Climate Observation Center will measure greenhouse gases and dust particles to track regional climate and assess hurricane risk, creating an opportunity for extensive environmental study and filling the gap in the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), which currently lacks an observation center anywhere in the broad mid-section of the Americas (Mexico, the southern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean).
The Observatory has been named in honor of Sir Crispin Tickell, Chairman Emeritus of the Climate Institute, who has played a prominent role in catalyzing climate protection efforts in Mexico and in the rest of the continent.
National Climate Awareness Program
The Climate Institute is launching an effective National Climate Awareness Campaign with local partners and cultural institutions in Mexico. It is working with television producers to disseminate news of pioneering and inspiring climate protection initiatives and is collaborating with several museums to create, update, and operate climate awareness sustainability exhibits.
The Institute has recently opened a Latin American Regional Office in Mexico City to provide staff and logistical support to carry out its international activities. The Office will be vital to organize training sessions and workshops on issues such as proactive climate adaptation, alternative energy technologies and climate and air quality monitoring and will allow the hosting of conferences, seminars and other events. It will also be a place of experiment and be equipped with a botanical roof garden and solar panels to become a focal point for dissemination of energy efficient messages.
The Institute is also exploring the possibilities of linking these efforts with nature protection awareness in parts of Mexico, such as Yubal-cah, a 1500-acre nature preserve in the State of Tabasco.
Mexico Alliance for Climate Protection and Adaptation
This initiative has been envisioned to help States and National or Federal Agencies to identify and develop comprehensive climate protection plans with a focus on adaptation and mitigation strategies to face climate change impact (sea level rise, costal erosion etc…) The Institute is trying to link these institutions to a network of international partners such as the International Hurricane Research Center, Vetiver Network, Climate Care, and OAS and with experts who have successfully carried out cogeneration and alternative energy projects.
Through the sharing of expertise on anticipatory adaptation and emergency preparedness and response and Management System, there is an opportunity for Coastal States to make a smart use of their resources to adapt upcoming natural events such as cyclone and hurricanes.
