Mexico: environment

How much greenhouse gas does Mexico emit?

Mexico emitted 687 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024, excluding land use, land-use change and forestry, according to World Bank data from the EDGAR database. Carbon dioxide alone was 476 million tonnes (World Bank).

The totals were almost unchanged from 2023. Mexico's official greenhouse gas inventory is prepared by the National Institute of Ecology and Climate Change (INECC), whose site could not be read when checked on 14 October 2026, so its figures are not given here. The inventory and EDGAR use different methods, so their totals differ.

Official sources: World Bank: total greenhouse gas emissions excluding LULUCF, Mexico · World Bank: CO2 emissions excluding LULUCF, Mexico

How polluted is the air in Mexico?

The average person in Mexico was exposed to 16.6 micrograms per cubic metre of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in 2023, according to World Bank data, about the same as in 2022.

This is a population-weighted national estimate modelled from satellite data and ground monitors, designed for comparing countries. Local levels vary between cities and seasons, and a national average does not show peaks.

Official sources: World Bank: PM2.5 mean annual exposure, Mexico

How much of Mexico is forest?

Forests covered 34.2% of Mexico's land area in 2024, according to World Bank data from the FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment, down from 34.3% in 2022.

The FAO defines forest as land of more than half a hectare with trees taller than five metres and canopy cover of more than 10%, so the figure includes dry forests and woodland as well as tropical rainforest. The small yearly fall reflects net forest loss after replanting and natural regrowth.

Official sources: World Bank: forest area, % of land area, Mexico

Is Mexico running out of water?

Mexico withdrew 44.9% of its available freshwater resources in 2022, according to World Bank data from the FAO AQUASTAT database, about the same as in 2020 and 2021.

The indicator is a national average and does not show differences between river basins and regions. The National Water Commission (CONAGUA) publishes national water statistics and a drought monitor through the National Meteorological Service, whose site could not be read when checked on 14 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank: level of water stress, Mexico

How much of Mexico's energy is renewable?

Renewable sources supplied 13.0% of Mexico's final energy consumption in 2021, according to World Bank data from the IEA, IRENA and UN energy statistics, up from 10.3% in 2019.

The share covers all energy used, including transport fuels and heating, not just electricity, which is why it is lower than the renewable share of power generation. The 2021 figure is the latest in the international series. The Energy Secretariat (SENER) publishes Mexico's national energy balance.

Official sources: World Bank: renewable energy consumption, % of final energy, Mexico

How much CO2 does Mexico emit per person?

3.6 tonnes: that is carbon dioxide emissions per person in Mexico for 2024, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. Since 2005 it has ranged from 3.5 tonnes (2020) to 4.3 tonnes (2012). Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 2.3 tonnes, and Mexico placed 7th highest of 33. Worldwide: 71st of 186.

What are Mexico's emissions?

According to the European Commission's EDGAR database, total greenhouse gas emissions in Mexico was 687 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024. Its high point since 2005 was 2017, at 696 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; its low point was 2005, at 625 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Latin America & Caribbean median: 19.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; Mexico is 2nd highest of 33. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 11th highest.

How much of Mexico's energy is renewable?

13.0%: that is the renewable share of final energy use in Mexico for 2021, according to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 18.9%, and Mexico placed 21st highest of 33. Worldwide: 127th of 191.

How much of Mexico is forest?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2024, is 34.2%. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 50.6%, and Mexico placed 24th highest of 32. Of 190 countries with 2024 data, 91st highest.

What is PM2.5 air pollution in Mexico?

According to the Global Burden of Disease study, average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Mexico was 16.6 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023. Since 2005 it has ranged from 15.8 micrograms per cubic metre (2005) to 18.0 micrograms per cubic metre (2011). It is 15th highest of 33 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 15.7 micrograms per cubic metre. World rank, highest first: 104th of 192.

What share of Mexico is protected land?

According to the UN Environment Programme, the share of land in protected areas in Mexico was 15.3% in 2025. That is the highest since at least 2013. It is 24th highest of 33 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 20.1%. Worldwide: 116th of 192.

How much of Mexico's fresh water is used?

In 2022, water stress in Mexico was 44.9%, according to the FAO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 28.6% (2005) to 45.0% (2021). Latin America & Caribbean median: 7.7%; Mexico is 3rd highest of 32. Of 175 countries with 2022 data, 40th highest.