Mexico's participation at the UN's Cop 29 climate summit marked a departure from its climate disengagement during the previous administration, but the country still faces challenges in delivering its ambitious climate pledges.
Under President Claudia Sheinbaum, the country signaled its intent to reassert itself as a player in global climate leadership, observers who participated in the event in Baku, Azerbaijan, said. But questions remain about whether this renewed commitment can translate into actionable change given domestic challenges.
For the first time in six years, Mexico's delegation included high-ranking official such as undersecretaries from the foreign affairs and environment ministries. This marked a stark contrast to the minimal representation during president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's term, said Gustavo Alanis, president of the Mexican center for environmental rights (Cemda). "From 2013 to 2018, Mexico was a leader in climate discussions. That relevance was lost under Lopez Obrador, but Cop 29 sent a powerful signal," he said. "Mexico is back in the conversation."
Sheinbaum's government pledged to advance clean energy initiatives, expand welfare programs that provide households with solar panels and water heaters and promote electromobility and energy efficiency. These commitments were welcomed by observersas a sign of change, particularly after the previous administration's hostility toward renewable projects.
Despite the positive rhetoric, Mexico's ability to deliver on its promises remains unclear. Alanis pointed out that key environmental agencies face severe budget cuts: the ministry of environment and natural resources (Semarnat) is set to lose 40pc of its funding, while environmental watchdog Profepa will see a 14pc reduction.
"Mexico must be consistent with the commitments made to the world in Baku to combat climate change," he said.
The government pledged to generate 45pc of electricity from clean sources by 2030. But this target relies on controversial classification, such as including gas-fired generation as clean energy, which is not widely recognized internationally due to its CO2 and methane emissions. In 2023, only 24.3pc of electricity came from clean sources, including gas-fired generation, according to the energy ministry, while the International Renewable Energy (IEA) pegged clean electricity's share at 18pc.
Policy clarity is another hurdle. Recent constitutional changes complicate private-sector investments in large renewable energy projects, raising concerns among financial institutions and developers. "The challenge of President Sheinbaum is to pass clear rules so financial institutions can invest in private sector projects," Alanis said.
Looking at Cop 30
Mexico's participation at Cop 29 offered a glimpse of its potential to re-emerge as a global climate leader, observers said, adding that lofty promises alone are insufficient.
The head of the energy committee for the International Commerce Commission in Mexico criticized the inclusion of the Sembrando Vida reforestation program in the country's climate strategy, arguing that it isunlikely to qualify under Article 6 rules for global carbon markets. The Mexican program focuses on providing subsidies to farmers to plant vegetables, fruits and larger tress, but it has received criticism because some farmers deforest areas to be able to receive the subsidies. "Mexico needs a more robust and credible plan to achieve its ambitious goals," he said.
As Brazil prepares to host Cop 30 in Belem next year, Mexico faces mounting pressure to turn Sheinbaum's pledges into reality. "The new administration has ignited hope for a brighter energy transition after six difficult years, but without adequate funding and clear policy frameworks, these promises may fall flat," Alanis warned.
Mexico's re-entry into global climate discussions is an encouraging step but its success hinges on bridging the gap between ambition and execution.
