Climate Change and Consumption Patterns in Mexico

The objective of this chapter is to analyze the hypothesis of the relationship between consumption patterns and the generation of greenhouse gases in Mexico. This allows identifying modifications in consumption patterns that contribute to a deep decarbonization process consistent with the Paris Agreement on climate change. The Paris Agreement on climate change seeks to limit the temperature increase to between 1.5 o C and 2 o C during this century by achieving a carbon-neutral economy between 2050 and 2070. The evidence shows that current consumption patterns are not consistent with a deep decarbonization process and sustainable development. Indeed, current consumption patterns, associated with a strong concentration in income distribution, show a gradual reduction in the share of food expenditure in total expenditure by income group as income increases, which is covered by an increase in the share of expenditure on transportation, mainly on fuel, and education. This leads to a more segmented society with higher greenhouse gas emissions. In this sense, it is necessary to carry out profound structural transformations to the current consumption patterns so that they are consistent with a deep decarbonization process. This should be based on the confirmation of a new matrix of public and private services that should lead to a welfare state consistent with sustainable development and a better distribution of income. This evidence is relatively similar in most Latin American economies.