Mexico News Brief and Action Alert

Mexico: What Recent Climate Polling Tells Us

September 19, 2025September 19, 2025

In 2024, 77 % of Mexicans report increased worry over climate change compared to the previous year, placing Mexico fourth worldwide in terms of rising concern.

As the Country Manager for Mexico at Climate ScoreCard, I have reviewed the latest polling data and public opinion research to assess the views of Mexican citizens on climate change, renewable energy, sustainable development, and related policies. The findings paint a picture of broad and robust support across many demographics, though nuances emerge when considering political affiliation, age, and regional concerns.

Recent global studies, such as the UN’s People’s Climate Vote 2024, reveal that Mexico is among the most concerned nations: 77% of Mexicans report increased worry over climate change compared to the previous year, placing Mexico fourth worldwide in terms of rising concern. Complementing this, Yale and NBER international opinion surveys (2022–2023) show that 92% of Mexicans acknowledge human-caused climate change and 88% support prioritizing climate action nationally—far above the US averages of 63% and 58%, respectively. These numbers highlight a strong base of awareness and urgency among Mexican citizens.

The European Investment Bank’s 2023 Latin America Climate Survey further illustrates public attitudes: 87% of Mexicans favor prioritizing investment in renewable energy over fossil fuels, with 58% supporting large-scale projects, such as wind and solar farms, and 29% preferring smaller installations, like rooftop solar. Additionally, 93% of Mexicans demand stricter climate policies, and 82% believe that environmental measures can improve daily life and boost job creation. The same EIB survey indicates overwhelming confidence in renewables as engines of economic growth and well-being.

Demographically, concern about climate change is highest among younger Mexicans—Millennials and Gen Z—who report direct experiences with heatwaves, droughts, or storms. However, support cuts across political divides, from urban voters in progressive states to rural communities worried about water security and food sovereignty. The strong nationwide support suggests environmental awareness is now mainstream in Mexican public opinion.

Regarding policy preferences, Mexicans broadly endorse measures such as transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy systems, scaling up reforestation and ecosystem restoration efforts, providing climate resilience training, and incorporating climate education in schools. This aligns with the views of UN poll respondents globally, with an overwhelming majority supporting nature restoration and a phase-out of fossil fuels. 

In Mexico’s case, energy transition ranks high: 80% of business leaders believe in shifting to renewables by 2035, while 70% of corporate decision-makers emphasize renewables when selecting operational locations.

However, public polling exposes a gap between popular will and government performance. Academic commentators note that Mexico’s strong legal framework—underlying the 2012 Climate Change Law and the 2022 Paris-aligned NDC—has not translated into consistent action. Voters express skepticism about enforcement and implementation, particularly around fossil-fuel subsidies and recent investments in the Dos Bocas refinery. Thus, while support is fervent, many believe that climate policy suffers from political inconsistency and requires advanced guarantees.

Evaluating the utility of existing polling, current surveys offer valuable insights into consumer, youth, and business sentiment. They play a crucial role in legitimizing bold climate policies outlined in the National Development Plan. However, they could be strengthened by:

  • Expanding demographic granularity to distinguish attitudes by region, education, and rural-urban contexts.
  • Tracking policy-specific sentiment, such as reactions to carbon taxes, fossil fuel subsidy reductions, or community-based adaptation programs.
  • Improving temporal frequency, conducting surveys annually to detect shifts in support, and aligning them with major policy milestones like COP summits or new legislation.
  • Cross-validating with behavioral data, such as energy use or adoption of residential solar, to observe whether public opinion translates into action.

In summary, recent polling indicates an overwhelmingly strong concern for climate change among Mexicans of all ages and backgrounds, with a clear preference for renewable energy, sustainable development, and stricter policy enforcement. While the existing surveys provide a solid foundation, enhancing their granularity, frequency, and policy specificity would multiply their value in shaping effective, citizen-approved climate action.

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

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