Mexico | Emissions and sources of Greenhouse Gases

In 2021, Mexico contributed 1.4% of global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, ranking it in second place in Latin America. Mexico's main emissions in 2021 were carbon dioxide (63.9%), methane (27.7%) and nitrous oxide (5.1%). By sources of origin, the energy and agricultural sectors stand out.

Key points

• Key points:
• In 2021, Mexico's gross Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions amounted to 714 million tons of CO2 equivalent, contributing 1.4% of the world total, placing the country in second place in Latin America, only surpassed by Brazil.
• In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the world economy contracted 2.8% and gross global GHG emissions fell 3.7%. In that same year, Mexico's GDP decreased 8.6%, but its GHG emissions fell only 5.6%.
• Carbon dioxide, caused mainly by the burning of fuels for energy, such as electricity, heat and transportation fuels, represented 63.9% of gross GHG emissions in Mexico.
• Methane and nitrous oxide emissions, which together represent 32.8% of Mexico's emissions in 2021, come mainly from the agricultural sector, as well as wastewater management and the decomposition of organic waste.
• The diversity of gases and compounds that contribute to the greenhouse effect, as well as their sources of origin, require a series of actions that, in a comprehensive manner, favor the reduction of emissions and at the same time generate opportunities for sustainable and inclusive economic development.

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