Are you feeling the heat?

This week I want to discuss just how much temperatures are changing already. For all of us living in Mexico, you have felt it. For those that don’t live here, in recent months Mexico has been grappling with one of the most severe heat waves in its history. The sweltering temperatures have not only tested the resilience of its population, but also highlighted the urgent need to address climate change.

States like Sonora, Sinaloa, and Baja California have experienced some of the highest temperatures, pushing public health and infrastructure to their limits. And even Mexico City, has reached record temperatures a few times over the past couple of weeks.

The economic repercussions of a heat wave are substantial. Agricultural productivity plummets due to scorched crops and water scarcity. Livestock also suffer significant losses, with many animals succumbing to the extreme conditions. Energy consumption spikes as residents try to cool down, leading to power outages and putting immense pressure on the electrical grid. This results in higher operational costs and strained resources. Forest fires become more frequent and intense (like what we saw in Valle de Bravo). They destroy vast tracts of land and release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This then contributes to a vicious cycle of increasing temperatures and worsening climate conditions.

And if you feel this sounds exaggerated, just look at this chart:

Source: Conagua

The recent heat waves in Mexico and elsewhere are a stark reminder of the urgent need to tackle climate change head-on. As temperatures continue to rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, the time for action is now. And we all can help… if you want 3 ideas, take these:

1. Turn off the lights when not in use, use energy-efficient appliances, and set your thermostat to an eco-friendly temperature.
2. Reduce your meat consumption, even if only for a few days a week.
3. If available, switch to green energy providers that use renewable sources like wind, solar, or hydroelectric power.

Facing this crisis requires everyone’s participation. Small daily actions can have a significant collective impact. Together, we can work towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

I hope you found this interesting. As usual, if there is anything we can help you with, or if there is an ESG topic you would like to know more about, please let us know.

Best,

Marimar

CEO, Miranda ESG