New Scorecard Shows New Mexico Governor on Verge of Failing on Climate
New Scorecard Shows New Mexico Governor on Verge of Failing on ... Center for Biological Diversity
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): New Mexico Governor Fails to Address Climate Emergency
Introduction
SANTA FE, N.M.— New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has been criticized for her failure to adopt policies and take actions that effectively address the climate emergency, according to a scorecard released by the Center for Biological Diversity. The scorecard, endorsed by numerous environmental and Indigenous organizations, highlights the need for urgent action to combat climate change.
Expanding Oil and Gas Extraction
Under Governor Lujan Grisham’s leadership, New Mexico has witnessed a significant expansion of oil and gas extraction, which poses a major threat to the world’s climate. Despite claiming to be a climate leader, the governor’s decisions have contributed to the doubling of oil production in the state since taking office in 2019. In fact, New Mexico has led U.S. oil production growth over the past three years, surpassing other states. The combustion of oil and gas extracted in New Mexico in 2022 alone resulted in 397 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, exceeding the annual fossil fuel emissions of several countries, including Australia and the United Kingdom.
Global Consequences
Given the significant contribution of New Mexico’s oil and gas production to the climate crisis, the governor’s decisions have far-reaching consequences on a global scale. Urgent action is needed to address this issue and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Actions Needed for Climate Leadership
The scorecard outlines the top five actions that New Mexico must take to transition from being a major threat to the climate to becoming a climate leader:
- Preventing new oil and gas extraction and phasing out existing fossil fuel production
- Prohibiting methane venting and flaring
- Establishing health buffer zones to protect people from oil and gas pollution
- Adopting and fully implementing the advanced clean cars rule
- Leading a just transition toward a clean renewable future
A Call for Change
Environmental and Indigenous organizations, including the New Mexico No False Solutions coalition, are urging Governor Lujan Grisham to use the scorecard as a roadmap for a cleaner and healthier New Mexico. The state deserves better than to have its land and air destroyed by the fossil fuel industry. It is crucial for the governor to prioritize sustainable development and work towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the failure of New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to address the climate emergency and the negative impacts of oil and gas extraction on the climate. This connects to SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Additionally, the article mentions the destruction of land and air, which relates to SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- SDG 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems
The article highlights the need for the governor to adopt policies and take actions to address the climate emergency. This aligns with SDG 13.2, which emphasizes the integration of climate change measures into national policies. Additionally, the mention of protecting land and air from oil and gas pollution relates to SDG 15.1, which focuses on ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 13.2: Number of policies and measures implemented to integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- Indicator for SDG 15.1: Area of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems protected and conserved
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, to measure progress towards SDG 13.2, the number of policies and measures implemented to integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning can be used as an indicator. For SDG 15.1, the area of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems protected and conserved can be used as an indicator to measure progress in ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of these ecosystems.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Number of policies and measures implemented to integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems | Area of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems protected and conserved |
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Source: biologicaldiversity.org
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