Perspectives and Initiatives for Energy Efficiency and Combating Climate Change in Guanajuato, Mexico: A Report

Fortunately, we also see ideas being proposed to install solar and wind energy receptors around the Guanajuato area. But these will be hard-pressed to take positive effect unless the government here embraces them by allowing them to be sold on a large scale or simply by beginning to provide them themselves.

Regarding the mentalities that exist among citizens in Guanajuato when it comes to the problem, it is obvious that there is no lack of awareness. The town in general may be described as fairly progressive, although somewhat conservative, and more or less informed, as it holds the liberal University of Guanajuato and retains some intellectual figures. The problem however, seems to reside in the importance and priority the problem takes in the minds of citizens here, as well as the government. This translates directly into an issue of degree. Things are being done, but they simply do not seem to be enough. This is not just from what I gathered in my own investigative and observational experience, but judging from the words of citizens in Guanajuato as well. The inhibitions to this further action seem to be particularly strong, especially when one considers the great potential this area has for wind and solar energy, like we have already discussed. One might think environment and energy related concerns like these would be nearer to the front of people’s minds and therefore priorities, especially given the fact that the area already has significant problems with water scarcity, erosion, dryness of land, and deforestation. But unfortunately, much of the formal concern and initiative to action stop at the local level. This helps, but our mindsets need to grow to include our planet on the whole, if it is in fact the planet we want to help. It is not unreasonable to propose that harsh threats of punishment are in order to force people to comply with climate protection laws, as well as the implementation of some kind of display of the potentially drastic consequences that will ensue if we do not take more effective action. According to the citizens I spoke with, increased, regular and routine education about climate change are things that need to be put into action here.

My own role in this exploratory process was not intended to be one of judgment, although a certain degree of that is unavoidable. I wanted to observe, analyze, observe some more, let thoughts settle, and then analyze a bit more. I feel this was what I did. I certainly am a bit removed from the real inside situation here in Guanajuato, including that of climate change combat, and forever will be simply because I am not a Guanajuatan. But the fact remains that I can still retain some legitimacy in analyzing what efforts are being put forth in a city I have spent four months in and whether or not those efforts seem to be effective.

What has been invaluable to me about this process has been the chance to speak with real people who experience the real events, problems, and successes in the city. I have had a vested interest in climate change and our natural world for several years, but it was only until this process did I learn to appreciate the every-day realities for those who have to combat the problem, and specifically t