The statement should not come as a surprise. For decades, scientists have been warning of the effects of global warming such as the melting of polar sea ice, and increased instances of critical weather conditions around the globe. Last summer in Mexico alone, there were hurricanes, flash flooding, and landslides. And in the last month both Australia and Brazil have borne the high cost of severe flooding. The death tolls in both places are still being determined.
The report by the UN agency shows that the average temperatures around the world last year were 0.95F (0.53 C) above the 1961-90 mean, which, according to WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud indicate a trend. "The 2010 data confirm the Earth's significant long-term warming trend," Jarraud said. "The 10 warmest years on record have all occurred since 1998."
While the veracity of "global warming" has been challenged, it's hard to ignore the data right before our eyes. Severe weather, often with tragic consequences for humans and the environment, are becoming the norm. The slogan "Think globally, Act locally" has long been used by environmentalists, and at no time has it been more appropriate.
All nations must contribute to sounder and more sustainable environmental policies. In Mexico, President Calderon has been lauded recently for his outstanding leadership during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change which was held in December in Cancun, and which saw delegates approve an agreement that includes plans to create a $100 billion fund to help developing nations deal with global warming and to increase efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation.
On a municipal level, at the World Mayors Summit on Climate in November, Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard - whose progressive stand on the environment, women's rights, and minority rights lead him to be named 2010 World Mayor - signed the Mexico City Pact along with representatives from another 137 world cities. The Pact calls for city leaders to propose binding targets for reducing carbon emissions and to publicly report their progress to the Carbonn Cities Climate Registry, a tracking system to be launched at the summit and run from Bonn, Germany.
Residents of Puerto Vallarta must demand the same level of commitment from our local political leaders. Vallarta depends on tourism as its main industry. In recent years, this industry has been hobbled by negative press which attributed an outbreak of H1N1 to the area, and continues to report on Mexico's drug violence without much analysis or any geographical specificity.
Those who live here or visit here know another side to this area and this country: Mexico is a beautiful, friendly place that's rich in history and natural resources. But are our governments and our communities doing enough to demonstrate our leadership in this area?
In Puerto Vallarta, there is no city-wide recycling program. Littering is a chronic problem. And while the public transportation system is inexpensive, frequent, and convenient, the buses themselves are often in disrepair, leading to poor air quality.
Vallartenses must act locally. Demand a recycling program. Participate in clean-ups. Support local farmers by buying their food and wares at the Old Town Market on Saturdays, or the new Sunday market in La Cruz - or at any of the other markets available every week. Choose to walk. Choose to carpool. Volunteer to help set up Vallarta's first community garden, or get involved with PEACE's Community Pride program which "fosters ownership and pride in the community through programs that demonstrate the importance of protecting the environment." Support funding for environmental education programs.
In the wake of the WMO's announcement, it's clear that the burden of environmental stewardship falls to every one of us. Mexico's political leadership appears to be taking an aggressive stance on environmental policies, and it's time for Vallarta to follow suit. The restoration and protection of our natural environmental will set Puerto Vallarta apart and secure its future as a visitor destination. Our economy depends on it. Our world depends on it.
