Latin America Acts on Climate as Mexico Faces Water Challenges

Environment ministers from Latin America adopted regional sustainability plans ahead of COP30. Meanwhile, Mexico is currently behind on its obligations under the binational water treaty with the United States. 

This is the Week in Sustainability! 

Latin America Unites to Tackle the Climate Crisis

Environment ministers from 33 Latin American and Caribbean countries met in Lima, Peru, at the XXIV Forum of Ministers of the Environment to adopt measures addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, culminating in the Lima Declaration with 87 articles. Key initiatives include the Regional Action Plan on Ecosystem Restoration and Water Security, a Methane Emission Reduction Program for the waste sector, plans for chemicals, air quality, and plastic pollution, and the Regional Action Plan for Jaguar Conservation to strengthen ecological connectivity. Ministers emphasized regional collaboration, financing for climate adaptation and loss and damage, and the role of youth, Indigenous peoples, and civil society.

Mexico Struggles to Meet Water Delivery Deadline

Mexico is expected to deliver 2.158 billion m³ of water to the United States on Oct. 24 under the 1944 binational water treaty, but as of Oct. 1, it had only sent 46.4% of the required volume, leaving more than half still pending. Experts cite prolonged droughts, climate change, and the treaty’s rigidity as challenges, noting that while Mexico has accepted reduced inflows from the US, there is no corresponding agreement to lower Texan water use or adjust Mexico’s delivery obligations. The Rio Grande-Bravo basin faces significant stress, and long-term solutions will require conservation, efficient water management, and cross-border cooperation rather than merely adjusting delivery volumes.

SEMARNAT Marks First-Year Environmental Progress Despite Concerns

SEMARNAT reported progress in ecosystem restoration, species protection, water management, circular economy initiatives, and climate action during the first year of President Sheinbaum’s administration, including reforestation, mangrove conservation, and the protection of emblematic species like the vaquita marina. Despite these achievements, Greenpeace highlighted contradictions, pointing to continued fossil fuel projects, infrastructure expansion, limited environmental funding, and circular economy initiatives that prioritize industrial interests over prevention and restoration. 

Home Depot México 2024 ESG Report Shows Rise in Emissions

Home Depot Mexico released its 2024 Sustainability Report, highlighting a 4% reduction in Scope 1 emissions, increased Scope 2 emissions, and continued tracking of Scope 3 emissions, alongside improvements in renewable energy use, energy efficiency, recycling, and sustainable packaging. The company advanced the electrification of its forklift fleet, projected to significantly reduce emissions, fuel use, and maintenance costs, and expanded its Eco Option product line while achieving recognition for social and environmental responsibility. 

Vizsla Silver Commits to Regenerative Mining in Third ESG Report

Vizsla Silver released its third annual Sustainability Report, outlining progress in environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance, while reaffirming its commitment to becoming the world’s leading “Green Silver” producer at the 7,189.5ha Panuco silver-gold project in Sinaloa. Environmental initiatives include planting 5,000 native trees, rehabilitating legacy tailing facilities, constructing water reservoirs, and implementing data-driven resource management, while social programs have invested over US$600,000 in local communities, including health fairs and sports partnerships.