Abstract: In today′s globalized world, it is impossible to assume the challenge of promoting growth and development while balancing environmental protection and regeneration on our own; cooperation from abroad is needed, as the environment is not our own, but belongs to everyone.

A trending topic on all levels of society in every country has transformed a civil society strife into a magnified common front for the world; but even though the international rhetoric rings hopeful, each one of us must pursue a true modification of our policies, legal frameworks and national objectives.

Mexico is still taking firm steps towards achieving a true sustainability while facing a strong social, political and economic development; while becoming a key player for the cause in all international efforts.

Mexico, as well as China, is classified as a "megadiverse" country, only twelve out of 193 countries have this privilege and responsibility. Accounting for twelve percent of the planet′s biodiversity grants national pride and enriches all social, cultural and historical elements; but it also signifies an inherited obligation to respect and protect.

In today′s globalized world, it is impossible to assume the challenge of promoting growth and development while balancing environmental protection and regeneration on our own; cooperation from abroad is needed, as the environment is not our own, but belongs to everyone.

Climate change in the world has manifested itself since the beginning of the 19th century, moment in which for the first time changes in the paleoclimate and the natural greenhouse effect were identified and published formally. We have come a long way in acknowledging that this is a world problem that affects and will continue to affect the development of all nations on the planet; in addition and even though a far-fetched theory, the declaration by the United Nations Assembly on Climate Change, that the Darfur and Syria armed conflicts are examples of climate wars should pop up red flags for everyone.

The importance to act now and decisively is key to face and diminish effectively the noxious and destructive effects that climate change provokes to humanity and the environment.

"Green Development" has become a global tendency supported by governments across the globe and societies as well, even becoming a public demand; its meaning could be translated into having an adequate, progressive and sustainable governance, which includes the public, private and voluntary spheres. Thanks to the involvement of the main productive sectors, where government and society can both participate directly, we can generate a benefit to the productive cycles of each nation without damaging the environment.

In the last three years, Mexico has focused on being a loyal promotor and impulse generator of environmental protection on an international level. Achieving the subscription to more than 90 accords and protocols on the matter, and the adoption of a compromise with the United Nations to reduce by 25% the emission of gas and greenhouse effect compounds on the 2020–2030 period, and satisfy 35% of our energy needs with renewable sources by 2025.

In addition, and in full consciousness of what natural resources represent to our country as elements of growth and development, Mexico has established clear objectives:

1. Strengthen national policy on climate change and environmental protection;

2. Focus and encourage an inclusive and facilitating green growth, which would preserve national heritage and generate growth, competitiveness and jobs at the same time;

3. Promote and adopt sustainable building practices and establishing more green areas around the nation;

4. Promote and impress a positive environmental education;

5. Gain access to clean and sustainable energies, and;

6. Strengthen regulatory measures regarding pollutants in the automobile sector, industries and certain services.

On the matter of generating the much needed governance that communes all forms of development, Mexico has conformed an institutional and legal framework that endorses and follows the National Development and Environmental Protection Plans, with the purpose of potentiating and delivering more and better advantages to the population; noting the following:

· A public institution at a Ministry level that joins the criteria and tools to ensure the optimal protection, conservation and exploitation of the natural resources which permit a sustainable development (SEMARNAT).

·  The creation of a National Ecology and Climate Change Institute centered on a "green agenda" oriented to generating investigations that generate tools to better use natural resources.

·  A General Law on Climate Change, that guarantees the right to a healthy environment, the regulation of gas emissions and the impulse to generate more research and development on green technologies that promote the transition to a competitive and sustainable economy.

· Within the legislative branch, both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies have a permanent Commission on Climate Change to tackle specific challenges and adequate the legal framework on the matter.

· An energy reform that bridges the gap towards clean energies and renewables, which forces firm standards for use and consumption of fossil fuels.

·  A fiscal reform that establishes a "carbon price", which translates into a direct benefit for good practices with tax reductions.

·  The signature and ratification of the Kyoto Protocol (1998 / 2000).

It is important to mention that during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21), in Paris, France last winter, several initiatives promoted by Mexico were incorporated, and two outstanding ones are:

· The establishment 1.5 oC as the maximum limit of global temperature increase allowed, and;

·  The quinquennial revision of the accord to adopt and adapt new proposals.

The importance given within Mexico to this topic is maxim, and the signed treaties are considered to be on the same juridical stand as the Constitution.

I also wish to convey that on May 19th, Ban Ki-Moon, confirmed the designation of Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano as Executive Secretary of the previously mentioned United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Action that strengthens Mexico′s compromise with the environment.

Enrique Pena Nieto, President of Mexico, stated at the beginning of the year that "Mexico assumes its global responsibility facing the future climate changes…Mexico is committed to reduce the use of fossil fuels and foster renewable energies…[and achieve balance between the benefits of development and the protection of the environment]." We will live up to our duty as nation and an honest member of the international community.

Environmental protection is not achieved with the signature of treaties, the generation of accords or international compromise; but it is a step in the multi-pronged approach each of our nations must undertake. Eliminating barriers, homologating legal frameworks, and incentivizing local, national and international cooperation will get us very far in leaving a better world for our future generations.

(Javier Vega, Chief of the Department on Foreign Affairs and Parliamentary Relations at the Mexican Chamber of Deputies)