Climate Change Hits Mexico's Poor Hardest: Lack of Cooling Systems Exposes Inequality

Climate Change Exacerbates Inequality in Mexico: A Study Reveals the Disparity in Access to Cooling Solutions Mexico City, May 30, 2025 – A recent video report by POSTAmx highlights the stark reality of climate change's disproportionate impact on low-income communities in Mexico. Using data from INEGI's 2018 National Survey on Energy Consumption in Private Households (ENCVI), the report reveals that a substantial portion of the population lacks access to essential cooling appliances, making them acutely vulnerable to rising temperatures. "According to studies, climate change hits those with the least the hardest," explains Vianney Carrera, the video's presenter. "Their economic limitations prevent them from affording or maintaining fans or air conditioners." The survey data underscores this point. Out of 32,875,974 surveyed households, only 4,908,985 reported owning air conditioning or mini-split systems. This means that nearly 80% of those surveyed lacked adequate cooling during heat waves. Eleocadrio Martínez, a researcher from the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters at UANL, adds another layer to this issue. He states, "Those with lower incomes, particularly in less-resourced populations, suffer the effects of climate change in a unique way. They often live in areas with less tree cover, leading to higher temperatures." The video concludes by calling for structural solutions, emphasizing the need to address the socioeconomic factors that exacerbate climate change's impact on vulnerable populations. The lack of access to cooling solutions is a critical factor that needs urgent attention. This inequality highlights the need for policies and initiatives to ensure equitable access to resources and protection from extreme weather events for all Mexicans.