UN Expresses Concern Over LNG Developments

The UN issued an alert and expressed “profound concern” to the Mexican government over a series of proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects in the Gulf of California, warning that the developments pose serious environmental, climate and human-rights risks.

The UN cautioned that the approval and construction of four LNG export terminals, Saguaro Energía, Vista Pacífico LNG, AMIGO LNG, and GNL Cosalá, along with two pipeline corridors, Sierra Madre gas pipeline and Corredor Norte gas pipeline, could transform Mexico into one of the world’s top exporters of LNG at the cost of public-health, biodiversity, and Indigenous and fishing communities’ livelihoods.

In its letter, the UN raised alarm over planned greenhouse-gas emissions: it noted that LNG globally contributes some 2.3Gt/y of CO₂. Moreover, the “Vista Pacífico” terminal alone could initially emit 776,000t/y of CO2 and if fully phased in by phase three, up to 13.9Mt/y, a volume inconsistent with Mexico’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. The rapporteurs also urged scrutiny of methane emissions, water usage, toxic contamination, and risks posed to marine ecosystems.

One of the most critical warnings concerns the Eastern Pacific marine biodiversity hotspot that is the Gulf of California. The region is home to about one-third of the world’s whale and dolphin species, including threatened and endangered populations. Environmental groups and scientists warn that the entrance of LNG tankers, noise pollution, ballast-water discharge, and increased underwater traffic could severely disrupt cetacean migration routes, breeding grounds, and feeding areas.

Civil society organizations, some of which triggered the UN alert, demand that the government suspend all pending authorizations and comprehensive environmental, social, and human-rights impact assessments before any further progress is allowed. They call for the delegates to honor international commitments, including the Escazú Agreement on environmental rights, and to recognize the rights of nature and local communities as integral to decision-making.

The projects under scrutiny, including Saguaro Energía in Sonora and the associated pipelines, are designed to receive and regasify natural gas from US shale fields, liquefy it locally, and re-export it abroad, a plan that critics say effectively turns Mexico into a transit hub for fossil gas destined for overseas markets while intensifying dependency on US gas supply.

In addition to climate and ecological risks, the UN letter warns of potential threats to human rights. The proposed infrastructure would impact coastal and Indigenous communities whose livelihoods depend on fishing and tourism, expose residents to environmental contamination, and likely proceed without adequate public consultation or prior informed consent.

The government of Mexico has responded by acknowledging the communication and signaling that some of the projects remain pending judicial and environmental-authorization processes. According to statements from officials, only two of the proposed terminals are reported to have completed all administrative procedures; the rest either remain under review or are subject to ongoing challenges.

Mexico’s Reliance on Fossil Fuels

For the energy sector and Mexican environmental policy, the warning marks perhaps the most significant global rebuke yet of the country’s push to expand LNG and fossil-gas infrastructure in one of the world’s richest marine biodiversity areas. The coming months will likely test whether economic ambition or environmental responsibility will guide the gas projects.

A key point raised by the UN is the expectation that governments evaluate alternatives before authorising long-lived fossil assets. In the case of the Gulf of California, the organization noted that the region has exceptional potential for solar generation, energy storage, and distributed energy systems, which could offer lower environmental risks and greater resilience for isolated communities. The Special Rapporteurs urged Mexico to consider these pathways in its long-term planning.

Additional nuance emerges when placing the alert in the broader context of Mexico’s energy needs. Natural gas plays a central role in the country’s electricity system, accounting for roughly 70% of power generation. Combined cycle plants rely heavily on imported gas from the United States, and disruptions can affect industrial operations, grid stability, and regional development. Policymakers argue that expanding infrastructure, including LNG facilities, can enhance security of supply and offer greater flexibility during peak demand or pipeline outages.

However, the rapid expansion of fossil gas projects has renewed debate over the country’s energy priorities. Supporters maintain that natural gas is a necessary transitional fuel that enables the integration of intermittent renewable energy and supports economic growth. Critics counter that new LNG terminals, pipelines, and long-term purchase agreements risk locking Mexico into carbon-intensive assets for decades, potentially complicating its ability to meet climate goals and international commitments.

At the same time, expanding renewable capacity remains challenging due to permitting delays, regulatory uncertainty, grid constraints, and limited mechanisms to integrate private investment. The government has stated on multiple occasions that renewable energy will grow, but developers warn that without a clear regulatory pathway and modernised transmission lines, deployment will remain slower than demand growth. This tension is particularly evident in northern Mexico, where both industrial gas demand and renewable resource quality are high.