Framing energy efficiency and renewable energy policies: An international comparison between Mexico and China

This essay compares national strategies on mitigation of GHG emissions for Mexico and China. This state-centered analysis stresses the importance of the interaction between international commitments, the disposition of internal interest of economy-wide actors, and the legacies of policy making and institutions, particularly in relation to economic development and central–local government relations. This research does not attempt to classify institutions according to their effectives to foster climate change policies, but rather explores specific circumstances for climate change policy making on developing countries. Contrary to international proposal to find a generic optimal policy choice, the research explored the relevance of certain political and economic institutions that can be present in other national cases. It shows that the legacies on liberalization and state retreat undermine the state ability to effectively engage with the economic actors on decisions and management. Likewise regular engagement with them undermines the state affinity towards pursuing economic efficient solutions. The relevance of adequate system of incentives for local government to engage in an agenda that is, by nature, adopted by the central government.

► We compared China and Mexico CO2 emissions potentials and strategies on energy.
► Cost abatement curves were used to induce societal interest.
► Policies on management decision are effective but not clearly efficient.
► Policies that stress efficiency face serious limitations of scope.
► Centrally provided incentives are highly required for local governments action.