To be or not to be?

The Secretaría de Energía’s lofty proposed goal that 25% of Mexico’s installed electricity generation capacity be provided by renewable energy sources by the end of 2012 looks to be just a touch out of reach.  But unachieved goals notwithstanding, there is no question that topics related to renewable energy and clean technology in general are enjoying unprecedented levels of attention right now.  The surge of interest in bio-ethanol a couple years ago not only fanned the flames of the local food vs. fuel debate but also stimulated the proposal or development of a number of experimental bio-fuel projects in Mexico.  The initial frenzy over bio-fuel seems to have cooled somewhat since 2007, fortunately, but interest in well grounded projects and the potential for alternative fuel production in the country remains.  This week three events are being held at the María Isabel Sheraton here in Mexico City:  Carbon Markets Mexico & Central America, Biofuels Markets Mexico and Central America, and Jatropha Markets Americas, information on which can be found at www.greenpowerconferences.com .

Other upcoming events related to sustainability topics include:

V Congreso Internacional de Transporte Sustentable
October 12 – 14, 2009, World Trade Center, Mexico City
Info: www.congresotransportesustentable.org

XVI Border Energy Forum
October 15 – 16, 2009, Houston, Texas
Info: www.glo.state.tx.us/energy/border/forum/16/

Tercer Congreso Nacional de Suelo Urbano
October 28 – 30, 2009, Mérida, Yucatán
Info: www.cmq.edu.mx/documentos/Convocatorias/prourba/convocatoria_Suelo_2009.pdf

1er Congreso Internacional sobre Ciudades Sustentables
October 25 – 26, 2009, Morelia, Michoacán
Info: www.ciudadessustentables.org

Here in Mexico nothing pleases us more than being “a la altura de los mejores paises del mundo”, and this should help:  The first TEDxDF event will be held in Mexico City Wednesday, October 7 at 7:00 PM at the Adrian Gibert Auditorium at Universidad La Salle.   TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and the speakers slated for the Mexico Event will present innovative ideas for taking on the challenges facing the country as we move into the future.

Check out the details here: www.tedxdf.org