SEMARNAT, WWF Workshop Integrates Local Views into NDC 3.0

Federal and state environmental officials convened for a workshop aimed at integrating regional and local perspectives into the draft of Mexico’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0. Organized by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Mexico, the workshop focused on building resilience in food systems, transitioning away from fossil fuels without compromising energy security, and addressing environmental and public health challenges.  

SEMARNAT’s ultimate goal is to issue a significantly strengthened NDC. In recent months, critics have argued that previous versions lacked sufficiently robust provisions to realistically meet Mexico’s obligations under the 2015 Paris Agreement, which include limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

José Luis Samaniego Leyva, SEMARNAT’s Undersecretary for Sustainable Development and Circular Economy, opened the session by highlighting the importance of state engagement in shaping the country’s climate agenda. He noted that state participation strengthens national policy and reinforces Mexico’s international commitments, as outlined in the upcoming 2025–2030 National Development Plan.

While state representatives viewed the workshop as an important step toward aligning federal and subnational efforts, they emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration and accessible dialogue to support subnational implementation of climate initiatives. They raised concerns about training, funding, data systems, and inter-agency coordination, stressing that more resources are needed to support adaptation and mitigation efforts.

State leaders also advocated for including state-level contributions in sector-specific sections of the NDC and for stronger integration of municipal efforts into national climate planning. In response, Andrea Hurtado Epstein, Head of Climate Action Policy, SEMARNAT, urged participants to bring unified positions to the next National Climate Change System (SINACC) meeting.