CO₂ emissions in Mexico 2000-2021

Net carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from all sectors in Mexico decreased slightly in 2021 to over 456 million metric tons. It accounted for more than 60 percent of Mexico’s net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that year. CO₂ is a colorless and odorless gas that occurs in the environment. Nevertheless, human activities – primarily the burning of fossil fuels – have led to a high concentration of the gas in the atmosphere, contributing to an increase in the planet’s average temperature.

CO₂ emissions worldwide

Global carbon dioxide emissions have followed an upward trend in the past decades. After a slight decline in 2020, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, they reached a historical high of 37.5 billion metric tons in 2022. Mexico is one of the top CO₂ emitters in the world, placing 15^th in recent years. Meanwhile, China was the lead emitter, having released more than 11 billion metric tons of CO₂.

The other greenhouse gases

Along with CO₂, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases are the main GHGs. In Mexico, methane is the second largest GHG emitted, with over one-quarter of net emissions in 2021. Methane’s primary sources are landfills, oil and gas systems, and agricultural activities. While methane remains in the atmosphere for less time than CO₂, it absorbs more heat, setting the pace for warming in the near future.