Climate change adaptation in Mexico: A literature review of progress, evidence gaps, and research priorities

Adaptation to climate change is key to reducing the vulnerability of human and natural systems. Over the past decades, research on climate change adaptation in Mexico has increased considerably. Previous reviews have focused on specific aspects of climate adaptation in Mexico; however, no study has systematically synthesized adaptation research across sectors, climate risks, responses, adaptation stages, and geographic regions within a common analytical framework. We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature to synthesize evidence on climate adaptation in Mexico. We identified 100 relevant studies and analyzed climate-related risks, sector-specific adaptation responses, and reported adaptation stages (awareness, assessment, planning, implementation, and measurement and evaluation). Studies addressed 14 topics classified into eight sectors, according to the IPCC. The “Food, fiber, and other ecosystem products” group was by far the most studied (29%), followed by “Cities and infrastructure” (17%). A geographic analysis revealed that seven of 32 Mexican states lack research coverage. The primary climate-related risks identified were reduced agricultural productivity and water insecurity, driven primarily by drought, extreme precipitation, and rising temperatures. Adaptation responses were predominantly autonomous and reactive. Most studies focused on the assessment stage (46%), with only 20% reaching implementation and 8% addressing planning, highlighting critical gaps in advancing from assessment to action. Comparing the identified adaptation strategies with Mexico’s latest Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) reveals a substantial knowledge gap that could limit progress toward its stated goals. Significant gaps remain in research on human health and in the integration of ecosystem and social processes, highlighting priorities for advancing climate adaptation in Mexico.