Better protecting Mexico's environment

The Mexican government is faced with multiple environmental challenges, from tackling climate change to protecting its precious biodiversity and avoiding water stress. On fighting climate change, Mexico has made important progress. The government committed unconditionally to reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and short-lived climate pollutants. This implies a 22% reduction of GHGs and a 51% reduction of black carbon, relative to business-as-usual levels, by 2030. In its endeavour to reduce emissions, Mexico has moved away from transport fuel subsidies, increased excise tax rates on transport fuels and introduced a new carbon tax. However, carbon tax rates are still very low and emissions from the energy and transport sectors continue to grow rapidly. The Mexican government has also made notable progress in better protecting biodiversity.