PEMEX Cuts Emissions, Ups Freshwater Use: Sustainability Week

This week in sustainability news: PEMEX reported a 5.5% reduction in Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions in its 2024 Sustainability Report, which also highlighted a 2.32% increase in freshwater use. Meanwhile, two senators have urged federal authorities to take action on illegal fishing in the Gulf of California, citing threats to endangered species. In other developments, Hermosillo became the first municipality in Mexico to power its entire water utility system with solar energy.

This is The Week in Sustainability — more updates below.

PEMEX Lowers Emissions but Faces Investor Environmental Pressure

PEMEX achieved a 5.5% reduction in direct (Scope 1) greenhouse gas emissions, according to its 2024 Sustainability Report. The report noted the reduction was driven by increased gas use in exploration, production, and processing, along with the integration of energy efficiency projects across its operations. Nevertheless, ESG investors remain wary; in May, the Norwegian Government Pension Fund excluded PEMEX from its portfolio over environmental concerns. 

PEMEX Freshwater Use Rises 2.32% in 2024

PEMEX’s 2024 Sustainability Report also noted a 2.32% increase in freshwater use, despite a 21% increase in the use of treated water. Still, the report cited water efficiency progress in overexploited areas in Northern Mexico, where PEMEX has invested in water reclamation facilities. 

Senators Urge Action on Illegal Fishing in the Gulf of California

Senators Maki Ortiz and Susana Zataraín have called on the National Commission for Aquaculture and Fishing (CONAPESCA) to enact urgent measures to protect endangered species in the Gulf of California. They cite the operation of industrial tuna fishing skiffs that have caught dolphins and hammerhead sharks in their bycatch. The calls come after years of international criticism over illegal fishing in the gulf, with special concern for endangered totoaba and vaquita populations. 

Hermosillo Goes Solar After US$420 Million Water Investment

Hermosillo has become the first municipality in Mexico to power its entire water utility system through solar energy, after US$420 million in investments. According to Mayor Antonio Astiazarán, the move will save the municipality over US$2 million per month.

OMA Aims for 66% Emissions Cut by 2030, Reports 2024 Progress

Grupo Aeropuertario del Centro Norte (OMA) released its 2024 Sustainability Report, highlighted by a 91% decrease in Scope 1 and Scope 2emissions from 2018 baseline levels. Despite seeing increases in fossil fuel usage, emissions, and waste, OMA stated it is still on track to meet a 66% cut in overall emissions by 2030.

SEMARNAT, Chiapas Partner to Protect Forests, Fight Fires

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources signed a pair of agreements with the Government of Chiapas to promote sustainable forest development and conserve natural protected areas. At a signing ceremony attended by Environment Minister Alicia Bárcena and Chiapas Governor Eduardo Ramírez Aguilar, officials also shared progress on a watershed restoration project that reforested 5,000 hectares of tropical forest and created 21,000 temporary jobs.