Overall, public support for climate policies exists but must be balanced with social equity considerations.
Mexico, as one of the largest economies in Latin America, faces significant challenges in managing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Political forces play a central role in determining how effectively the country addresses climate change. These forces include political leadership, technical capacity, the media, and popular opinion, all of which influence the pace and scale of Mexico’s transition toward a low-carbon economy.
Political Leadership:
Mexico’s current president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, took office in 2024. As a former head of government in Mexico City and an environmental scientist with a PhD in energy engineering, she has a long-standing track record in climate and sustainability issues. During her administration in Mexico City, Sheinbaum promoted renewable energy, clean mobility (such as electric buses and cable cars), and stricter air quality measures. As president, her leadership emphasizes continuity with national commitments under the Paris Agreement while balancing energy sovereignty, economic growth, and environmental protection.
Her government’s strategy involves strengthening state-owned energy companies, such as PEMEX and CFE, while introducing gradual reforms to expand renewable energy and improve energy efficiency. This reflects a pragmatic approach: maintaining national control over strategic energy resources while supporting the long-term decarbonization agenda. Political leadership in Mexico thus shapes emissions policies by balancing climate goals with domestic priorities of energy independence and economic stability.
Technical Capacity:
Mexico has developed significant technical capacity to monitor and address greenhouse gas emissions. Institutions such as the National Institute of Ecology and Climate Change (INECC), the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), and the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) are responsible for generating data on emissions, conducting inventories, and designing climate policies.
Mexico produces national greenhouse gas inventories aligned with UNFCCC standards, which provide transparency and accountability. Moreover, the country has built expertise in carbon markets, renewable energy technologies, and environmental regulation. Nevertheless, capacity is uneven: while urban areas have advanced programs in clean mobility and renewable energy, rural regions often lack resources to transition away from traditional fuels. Expanding renewable energy infrastructure, modernizing the electrical grid, and strengthening monitoring systems remain critical technical challenges.
The Media:
Media outlets in Mexico are increasingly shaping how the public perceives climate change. Traditional television, newspapers, and digital platforms report frequently on extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and floods, often linking them to climate change. Investigative journalism has highlighted the social and economic costs of environmental degradation, bringing the issue into mainstream political debate.
However, coverage varies: while some outlets emphasize renewable energy opportunities and international climate cooperation, others focus more on the economic costs of transitioning away from fossil fuels. Social media has also become a powerful platform for environmental activism, amplifying youth movements and civil society campaigns. Media narratives thus shape how citizens view the urgency of climate action and the trade-offs between economic growth and environmental protection.
Popular Opinion:
Public opinion in Mexico is diverse and reflects demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic differences. Surveys indicate that a large majority of Mexicans are concerned about climate change, especially urban populations who experience worsening air pollution and extreme heat. Younger generations, particularly university students and professionals, tend to be strong advocates for renewable energy, sustainable consumption, and climate justice.
In rural areas, concerns often focus on immediate livelihood issues such as access to water, agricultural productivity, and energy affordability. While many citizens recognize the importance of climate action, there is sometimes skepticism toward policies that could raise household costs or limit job opportunities in traditional energy industries. Overall, public support for climate policies exists but must be balanced with social equity considerations.
Suggested Actions:
One key action that could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions is expanding technical capacity to accelerate renewable energy deployment. If the federal government, under President Sheinbaum’s leadership, strengthens investments in solar and wind infrastructure—particularly in high-potential regions such as the north and southeast—it could reduce dependence on fossil fuels, create jobs, and lower long-term energy costs.
A complementary action involves leveraging media campaigns to increase citizen awareness of energy efficiency practices. Public information campaigns on sustainable transportation, home energy savings, and recycling can translate into millions of small-scale behavioral changes that add up to substantial reductions in emissions.
Conclusion
The politics of climate change in Mexico is shaped by a combination of leadership, technical expertise, media narratives, and popular opinion. Under President Claudia Sheinbaum, the country has the opportunity to align its scientific and policy capacity with public support to accelerate emissions reductions. By focusing on renewable energy expansion and citizen engagement, Mexico can strengthen its role as a regional leader in climate action while advancing sustainable development at home.
This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Mexico Country Manager, Pablo Necoechea.
Edited by Diana Gastelum.