Mexico is constrained in addressing extreme heat due to funding constraints, coordination issues, and the scale of the challenges posed by climate change.

Mexico faces many challenges due to rising summer temperatures due to climate change. Here’s a breakdown of the problems and the government’s efforts to tackle them:

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe. In 2024, northern Mexico experienced scorching temperatures, with some regions exceeding 40°C (104°F). This puts a strain on public health, leading to heatstroke, dehydration, and worsening preexisting conditions. Vulnerable populations, like older people and those living in poverty without proper air conditioning, are most at risk.

Many regions experience prolonged droughts during the summer. Northern Mexico has faced recurring droughts with significant impacts on the production of staple crops like corn and beans. The drought in 2019-2020 caused a 30% reduction in agricultural output in these regions. The lack of rainfall significantly impacts agricultural production, particularly in northern states, which are significant producers of corn and wheat. This can lead to food insecurity and price hikes for staples. Prolonged drought conditions severely affect Mexico’s agriculture, leading to crop failures, reduced water supply for irrigation, and economic losses for farmers.

Droughts create dry conditions that fuel wildfires. These fires devastate forest ecosystems, sometimes even threaten human settlements, and impact infrastructure and homes. These events are particularly destructive in mountainous areas like the Sierra Madre Occidental. In 2021, the Sierra Madre Occidental region experienced devastating wildfires, burning thousands of hectares of forest and affecting rural communities. The fires caused not only immediate displacement but also long-term ecological damage.

On the other hand, some areas face severe flooding due to extreme weather events. Floods destroy property, displacing residents and contaminating water supplies. In 2020, heavy rains led to flooding in Tabasco, displacing over 200,000 people and significantly damaging homes and infrastructure.

Policies and Programs to Adapt to Extreme Summer Weather Conditions

Mexico has implemented several policies and programs to address the impacts of extreme summer weather,  such as:

National Climate Change Strategy:

• The aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change impacts, including extreme heat and weather conditions.
• Implementation: The strategy involves federal, state, and local governments, with actions coordinated by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT, for its letters in Spanish).
• Effectiveness: It has led to increased awareness and some improvements in adaptive capacity. However, the effectiveness is often limited by funding constraints and a lack of implementation coordination between different levels of government.

PROAGUA Program:

• Aim: The National Water Program (PROAGUA, for its letters in Spanish) aims to improve water management and infrastructure to combat drought and ensure water supply for agriculture and communities.
• Implementation: Managed by the National Water Commission (CONAGUA), this program includes constructing dams, improving irrigation systems, and promoting water conservation practices.
• Effectiveness: While the program has improved water infrastructure in some regions, its effectiveness is often hampered by inadequate maintenance and insufficient coverage in rural areas.

Fire Management Programs:

• Aim: These programs focus on preventing and managing wildfires through controlled burns, community education, and rapid response teams.
• Implementation: The National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR) oversees these efforts, working with local authorities and communities.
• Effectiveness: These programs have successfully reduced the number and severity of wildfires in some regions, but challenges remain due to the increasing frequency of extreme heat and limited resources.

Government Prevention Policies and Programs:

• • The National Adaptation Program focuses on long-term strategies, such as water conservation initiatives, promoting drought-resistant crops, and creating early warning systems for heat waves and wildfires.
  • Sustainable Forest Management: Programs aim to restore forests and improve management practices to reduce wildfire risk.
  • Urban Planning for Heat: Some cities, like Monterrey, are developing heat mitigation plans that include planting trees, creating shade structures, and using reflective materials on buildings to reduce heat absorption.
  • Heatstroke Prevention Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns educate people on how to stay calm and hydrated during heatwaves.
  • Emergency Response Systems: Improved infrastructure and protocols help authorities respond more effectively to wildfires and floods.

Summer heat and extreme weather conditions due to climate change pose significant challenges for Mexico. The country has implemented various policies and programs to address these issues, with mixed effectiveness. While there are successes in certain areas, overall progress could be improved by funding limitations, coordination issues, and the scale of the challenges posed by climate change.

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Mexico Country Manager Pablo Necoechea Porras.