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Mexico has officially approved its updated decarbonisation pledge to the world, saying it aims to more than halve emissions over the next 10 years before reaching net zero by 2050.
Under the leadership of Claudia Sheinbaum, a former climate scientist, the country says it will reduce emissions to 364–404 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂e) by 2035, regardless of whether it gets international support. At last count, its annual emissions were an estimated 820 MtCO₂e.
If Mexico gets international support, however, the government says it’ll be able to slash emissions faster, to 332–363 MtCO₂e. That’s a more than 50% reduction compared to the business-as-usual scenario, according to the country’s nationally determined contribution (NDC) document.
“Mexico’s new climate plan stands among the most ambitious new climate targets from a major emitter, charting a path toward a stronger, more inclusive, and resilient economy,” says Francisco Barnés Regueiro, executive director of the World Resources Institute Mexico. “It places people and nature at the heart of decision-making and reflects the government’s intent to align climate action with economic opportunity, jobs, social equity, and sustainable growth.”
Mexico’s absolute targets will enhance transparency and accountability, Barnés Regueiro adds.
“On adaptation, the plan strengthens actions across five strategic areas, from climate-resilient production systems and integrated water management to the protection of strategic infrastructure and cultural heritage. New components on loss and damage, as well as on climate and security, reflect the government’s focus on managing the social and economic risks of the climate crisis.
“The NDC also embeds principles of gender equality, human rights, and intergenerational equity, ensuring that climate action addresses inequality, poverty, and vulnerability. It aims to deliver a just transition that creates decent jobs and broadens economic opportunity for women, Indigenous peoples, Afro-descendant communities, youth, and others historically left behind.
“Mexico’s ambition is clear, but delivering on these goals will require deep structural transformation and a clear, sustained investment strategy that positions climate action as a driver of inclusive and sustainable growth. Success will depend on clear sectoral pathways, robust financing mechanisms, and strong implementation plans once the full NDC is released. Aligning public budgets, financial instruments, and subnational policies with this new climate plan will be critical to unlocking innovation, boosting competitiveness, and creating good-quality jobs in low-carbon sectors,” says Barnés Regueiro.
