Mexico Sets Environmental Targets for 2030

Alicia Bárcena, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), presented the federal government’s environmental targets for the 2025–2030 National Development Plan during the forum, Reflections on Mexico’s ABC, held at Colegio Nacional.

The event, organized to examine Mexico’s national agenda on water, biodiversity, and climate change, was led by Julia Carabias and José Sarukhán, Representatives, Colegio Nacional. It brought together researchers and senior government officials to discuss priorities for building a more just and environmentally sustainable Mexico.

Bárcena outlined 10 key goals that will guide the environmental sector over the next five years. These include the restoration of 30 highly contaminated sites, the reforestation of 100,000ha of forest and 18,000ha of mangroves, and the remediation of the Sonora River and Endhó Dam to address long-standing pollution and promote environmental justice. Other priorities include the protection and conservation of 30% of Mexico's marine and terrestrial areas by 2030, the cleanup of the Atoyac, Lerma-Santiago, and Tula rivers, and improving air quality in three major metropolitan areas. 

The plan also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% in line with Mexico’s Nationally Determined Contribution; construct 12 waste recycling plants, including the Circular Economy Park in Hidalgo; ensure compliance with environmental regulations; and implement the digitalization of administrative processes.

Bárcena emphasized that the key word for this administration is restoration, referring to the country’s current environmental challenges and the need for coordinated action. She called for collective work across institutions, including CONAGUA, CONABIO, PROFEPA, INECC, and CONAFOR.

José Luis Samaniego, Deputy Minister for Sustainable Development and Circular Economy, SEMARNAT, warned that rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns pose significant risks to biodiversity and human livelihoods. He cited projections indicating that northern states such as Coahuila could see a 5% drop in humidity by the end of the century, while the Yucatan Peninsula may experience a 20% reduction. He also noted that sea level rise is already being observed along the coasts.