Is Mexico the Emerging Leader of Latin America in Post Carbon Politics?

Air pollution is a serious threat to the health and economic development of Latin America, where over 100 million people breathe dangerously polluted air. More than 14,700 deaths were caused by air pollution in 2010 in Mexico alone. Thus, the Mexican government has pledged to reduce CO2 emissions by 30 % by 2020. To reach this goal, the Mexican government has several options including: 1) a straight carbon tax, to remain in force; 2) a carbon tax evolving to a market-based cap-and-trade system; or 3) a carbon tax evolving to a market-based system, with resultant revenues dedicated to supporting clean energy initiatives. The argument is made that European Union countries and others have shown that a carbon tax can work, with certain safeguards in place, but it should transition to a market-based system over time, as this is favored by industry. In addition, to support long-term clean air goals and showcase ongoing successes, revenues should be used to support the development of renewable energy (RE), which can enroll citizens as stakeholders. Option 3 has the potential to support emissions reduction goals, generate economic investment and jobs, and improve the population’s health. Mexico has announced firm initiative