Environmental Policies in Mexico: A Critical Analysis of Their Implementation and Results

Mexico, as a megadiverse country, is particularly vulnerable to climate change. In response, it has implemented various environmental policies, including Payment for Water Environmental Services (PES), the ban on single-use plastics, and the carbon tax. The purpose of this article is to systematically analyze recent environmental policies, evaluating their impact and contribution to sustainable development. To this end, a methodology based on a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), complemented by a bibliometric analysis, was employed. The information search was conducted using the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases, as well as institutional repositories, resulting in the selection of 134 qualified publications. The analysis of these documents enabled the identification and grouping of key findings in areas such as renewable energy, the circular economy, and environmental governance. Although the results demonstrate substantial progress in these fields, they also reveal critical shortcomings in waste management, reforestation efforts, and environmental monitoring. Additionally, the study identifies tensions between economic interests and sustainability goals, low levels of citizen participation in public policy implementation, and pronounced regional disparities in policy execution. The study concludes by emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen environmental governance through increased citizen engagement, professionalization of institutions, and the assurance of long-term policy continuity.