Mexico Approves Water Law as Environmental Losses Hit 4.1% of GDP

This week in sustainability news: An INEGI report estimated Mexico’s economic losses from natural resource depletion and environmental degradation at US$75.87 billion, equivalent to 4.1% of national GDP. Meanwhile, Mexico’s Congress approved a new General Water Law that recognizes the human right to water, designates the Mexican state as the sole authority responsible for regulating its use, and creates a new category of water-related crimes to be prosecuted ex officio.

In parallel, Mexico City issued a US$164.9 million green bond—its largest to date—on the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV) to finance the construction of two new Cablebús lines, reinforcing the capital’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility.

More news below:

Mexico’s 2024 Eco Losses Hit MX$1.3 Trillion, Equal to 4.1% of GDP

Mexico’s natural resource depletion and environmental degradation cost the country more than MX$1.38 trillion (US$75.87 billion) in 2024—equivalent to 4.1% of national GDP—according to new data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI). The figures, published in INEGI’s 2024 Economic and Ecological Accounts of Mexico (CEEM), quantify the financial impact of emissions, soil degradation, waste, untreated wastewater, and the extraction of hydrocarbons, forest resources and groundwater. INEGI reported that the Environmentally Adjusted Net Domestic Product (PINE) reached MX$25.7 trillion (US$1.41 trillion) in 2024, equivalent to 76.6% of GDP at market prices. The PINE’s share of GDP underscores the persistent gap between conventional economic output and the environmental costs associated with generating it.

Mexico Approves Major Water Law Reforms to Boost Governance

Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies has approved the General Water Law and amendments to the National Water Law, marking one of the most significant reforms in water governance in recent years. The legislation, backed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, passed in a general vote with 328 in favor, 131 against, and five abstentions. The approved framework recognizes the human right to water and establishes the Mexican state as the sole authority responsible for regulating its use. It also creates a new category of water-related crimes that will be pursued ex officio.

Mexico City Issues MX$3 Billion Green Bond to Expand Cablebus

Mexico City returned to the sustainable debt market with the issuance of a MX$3 billion (US$164.9 million) green bond—its largest to date—aimed at financing two new Cablebús lines. The offering, placed on the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV), received a AAA rating and attracted demand twice the amount offered. Mayor Clara Brugada said the proceeds will be used “entirely” to the develop the Álvaro Obregón–Magdalena Contreras–Mixcoac and Milpa Alta–Tláhuac routes, which she described as mobility projects that strengthen territorial equity and provide cleaner air for residents. 

US, Mexico Sign Minute 333 to Tackle Tijuana River Pollution

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the signing of Minute 333, a new bilateral agreement between the United States and Mexico designed to address the sewage contamination affecting the Tijuana River. The agreement, reached by the US and Mexican Sections of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), introduces additional actions intended to support a permanent resolution to the issue. These include incorporating future population considerations, additional infrastructure projects in Mexico, enhanced operational requirements, technical data sharing, and communication mechanisms with authorities and the public. 

DHL Mexico Invests US$84 Million in Low-Emission Delivery Fleet

DHL Express Mexico has begun deploying a new fleet of JAC Sunray Cargo Euro 6 vehicles as part of an US$84 million investment to strengthen the efficiency and sustainability of its national operations. The first units delivered form part of a broader agreement covering 1,002 vehicles supplied by JAC and distributor Grupo Andrade. The Euro 6 technology incorporated into the initial 81 units is designed to reduce emissions and modernize DHL’s logistics fleet. The company said the full rollout will support cleaner last-mile delivery while improving operational performance along high-demand routes.