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Carbon Footprint of Mexico City
Federal District, Mexico · Pop. 9.2 million · 2022 data
3.8tonnes CO₂eper capita
+6% vs Mexico avg (3.6t)35 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from SEDEMA Mexico City / C40 Cities. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Mexico City's altitude worsens vehicle fuel efficiency, and its 4.5 million registered vehicles make transport by far the largest emission source.
410
gCO₂/kWh grid
26%
Renewable electricity
2050
Target: −50%
9.2M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Mexico City's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
44%
22%
18%
10%
Transport44%
~15.4Mt CO₂e
Buildings22%
~7.7Mt CO₂e
Industry18%
~6.3Mt CO₂e
Waste10%
~3.5Mt CO₂e
Other6%
~2.1Mt CO₂e
Mexico City vs Mexico National Average
Mexico City
3.8t
per capita
Mexico avg
3.6t
per capita
Mexico City's per-capita emissions exceed the Mexico national average by 6%. This is driven by transport (44% of emissions) and a grid intensity of 410 gCO2/kWh.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
410 gCO₂/kWh
High — significant fossil fuel dependence
Renewable Share
26%
Climate Target
Target Year
2050
Reduction Goal
50%
Mexico City aims to cut emissions by 50% by 2050. Achieving this will require significant shifts in transport and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of Mexico City?
Mexico City emits approximately 3.8 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 35 million tonnes annually, with a population of 9.2 million.
How does Mexico City compare to the Mexico national average?
Mexico City's per-capita emissions of 3.8t are 6% above the Mexico national average of 3.6t per capita. Key contributors include high transport and building emissions.
What are Mexico City's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Mexico City is transport at 44% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 44%, buildings for 22%, and industry for 18%.
What are Mexico City's climate targets?
Mexico City has set a target to reduce emissions by 50% by 2050. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 410 gCO2/kWh, with 26% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Mexico City's electricity grid?
Mexico City's grid is relatively carbon-intensive at 410 gCO2/kWh. Only 26% of electricity comes from renewable sources, indicating significant room for decarbonisation.
Data Sources
- SEDEMA Mexico City / C40 Cities (2022)
- C40 Cities Climate Data
- Our World in Data — CO₂ Emissions
Per-capita values depend on city boundary definitions and emission scoping methodology. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions unless otherwise stated.
