Environmental Spending, Sustainability Initiatives

Mexico's public spending on environmental protection dropped nearly 50% in the first two months of 2025. Meanwhile, Mexico City is developing a new Climate Action Program with territorial focus, public participation, and emission reduction goals. 

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Environmental Protection Spending Plunges in Early 2025

Public spending on environmental protection in Mexico dropped by 49.4% in the first two months of 2025, the steepest decline since 2007, mainly due to an 82% budget cut to CONAGUA. This reduction reflects both a broader fiscal adjustment to reduce the public deficit and a return to typical spending levels after a temporary boost in 2023. Although SEMARNAT received MX$3.2 billion, it underspent by 9.3%, highlighting budget under-execution rather than a lack of resources.

Mexico City Sets Course for 2025–2030 Climate Action Plan

Mexico City is updating its Climate Action Program for 2025-2030, focusing on territorial approaches, broad social participation, and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The new program will include eight strategic areas such as sustainable mobility, solar energy, and urban resilience, while incorporating gender equity and green job creation. With the support of local municipalities, the program aims to strengthen infrastructure and ecosystems, culminating in a public launch in October 2025.

AI-Powered Trial Launches to Boost Paper Cup Recycling

The UK has launched a three-month pilot in Cardiff, Wales, to improve paper cup recycling using AI-powered technology that rewards consumers for recycling cups at participating chains. The initiative, funded by Valpak and featuring technology from Bower, aims to address the low recycling rate of paper cups, with users receiving US$0.06 per cup. The project will also collect data to improve future recycling efforts and aims to reduce landfill waste by repurposing cup materials into products like packaging and garden furniture.

Xiaomi Prioritizes Sustainable Innovation, Accessibility

Xiaomi's 2024 ESG Report outlines its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and accessibility, showcasing efforts like the Human x Car x Home ecosystem and smart factory operations. The company invested US$3.30 billion in R&D, created over 42,000 patents, and introduced accessibility features for individuals with disabilities, while reducing its carbon footprint by improving logistics and using renewable energy. Xiaomi is also focused on circular economy initiatives, including recycling 38,000t of electronic waste by 2026 and achieving a 99.35% waste diversion rate at its Smart Factory.

European Union, Mexico Strengthen Climate Ties Ahead of COP30

Mexico and the European Union have committed to strengthening environmental and climate cooperation to tackle global challenges like climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. This agreement was made during a meeting between Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, and Alicia Bárcena, Mexico's Minister of Environment, following high-level dialogues on climate and the environment. Both parties pledged to submit updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) aligned with the 1.5°C target, while collaborating on initiatives like the Ecological and Circular Economy Park and sustainable sargassum management in preparation for COP30.