Cities on the Brink! Can Mexico and the U.S. Curb Their Carbon Footprint by 2025?

The fight against climate change has driven Mexico and the United States to implement urban policies aimed at reducing their carbon footprint. Two key strategies have been reforestation and the promotion of clean transportation. In 2024, both countries made significant progress in these areas, but the challenges for 2025 remain considerable.

Reforestation advances in 2024

In Mexico, collaboration between communities and companies has been essential. A notable example is Iberdrola Mexico, which in 2024 planted 8,000 trees across five states: Estado de México, Guanajuato, Oaxaca, Puebla, and Querétaro. Since 2022, the company has contributed to the planting of 21,000 trees, involving employees and local residents in these initiatives.

Meanwhile, the United States has continued with state and federal reforestation programs. Although exact figures for 2024 are not yet available, initiatives like the "Trillion Trees Act" aim to plant billions of trees over the next decade. These actions not only capture CO₂ but also improve biodiversity and air quality.

Boosting clean transportation in 2024

Mexico City has made important strides toward regulating electric transportation. In March 2025, a proposed reform to the Mobility Law and Traffic Regulations was presented to regulate electric vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, and e-scooters. The reform seeks to require these vehicles to meet similar regulations as combustion motorcycles, including the use of plates and helmets. This initiative responds to the growing use of these means and the need to improve road safety.

In the United States, cities like New York have implemented programs to modernize their truck fleet, promoting the adoption of low-carbon-emission vehicles. The "South Bronx Clean Truck Program" has managed to reduce air pollution by up to 75% per truck.

Challenges for 2025 Are we ready?

Despite the progress, 2025 presents significant challenges. Donald Trump's re-election in 2024 has created uncertainty about U.S. environmental policies. His previous administration was characterized by withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and promoting fossil fuels. Although there are no clear indications of a shift in this stance, the international community and various internal stakeholders are advocating to maintain and strengthen emission reduction policies.

Reforestation and clean transportation initiatives require substantial investments. Public-private collaboration is essential, but economic volatility can affect resource availability. It is crucial to establish robust financial mechanisms that ensure the continuity of these projects. The transition to clean transportation demands adequate infrastructure, such as charging stations for electric vehicles. Additionally, investing in technologies that improve energy efficiency and reduce costs is vital to facilitate the mass adoption of these means.

The effectiveness of these policies heavily depends on public acceptance and participation. Educational campaigns that inform about the benefits of reforestation and clean transportation are necessary to foster a cultural shift toward more sustainable practices.

Mexico and the United States have demonstrated progress in reducing their carbon footprint through urban policies focused on reforestation and clean transportation. However, 2025 is shaping up to be a decisive year that will require political commitment, strategic investments, and an informed and engaged citizenry. Only through a joint and sustained effort will it be possible to face the upcoming climate challenges and ensure a more sustainable future for the next generations.

The challenges for 2025 are clear and demand a strong response. Political uncertainty in the United States, especially following Donald Trump's re-election, could jeopardize the environmental progress achieved. His history of favoring fossil fuels raises doubts about the continuation of ambitious climate policies, although international and national actors continue to push for maintaining the ecological course. Moreover, sustainable financing emerges as a critical obstacle; while public-private collaboration has proven effective, economic volatility threatens to stall key investments in reforestation and clean transportation.

On the other hand, electric transportation infrastructure is still underdeveloped to support mass adoption, requiring urgent investments in charging stations and technological improvements to facilitate this transition. Finally, public awareness plays a crucial role: without a well-informed and committed society, any initiative risks remaining only on paper. Environmental education must be prioritized so that the population adopts sustainable practices and actively supports these efforts.

Written by: Editorial