1、 Introduction

We discussed Mexico's pioneering role as a developing country in climate policy and its active participation in global climate governance. The article points out that although Latin American countries generally face resource and technological limitations, Mexico is the first in the global South to implement effective climate policies. The author emphasizes that in-depth research on the evolution of Mexico's climate policy is of great significance for understanding the behavior of developing countries in global climate governance. The article adopts the perspective of historical institutionalism to analyze the internal logic of climate policy changes in Mexico, revealing the interplay between historical and structural elements. By constructing an analytical framework, the article explores how structural elements at the macro, meso, and micro levels interact to drive policy evolution, and emphasizes the role of path dependence, key nodes, and historical veto points in policy development.

2、 The Historical Evolution of Mexico's Climate Policy

The historical evolution of Mexico's climate policy reflects its response to domestic and international environmental challenges, undergoing a shift from non political issues to national development agendas. In the 1970s, Mexico began to pay attention to environmental issues and established an environmental regulatory framework through constitutional amendments and the promulgation of the Federal Law for the Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution. However, environmental issues still occupy a secondary position on the policy agenda. In the 1990s, Mexico strengthened its focus on environmental policies and established the National Institute of Ecology and the Federal Environmental Protection Prosecutor's Office, promoting the institutionalization of environmental policies. In the 21st century, Mexico has incorporated climate change into its national development plan, released the National Climate Change Strategy and the Basic Law on Climate Change, and established a legal system and implementation mechanism to address climate change. These policy changes reflect Mexico's deepening process from prevention and planning to institutionalized practice, and then to comprehensive legislation.

3、 The Structural Logic of Mexico's Climate Policy Evolution

The structural view of historical institutionalism emphasizes the interaction of elements such as context, ideas, and actors, as well as their shaping effect on policy changes. The changes in Mexico's climate policy have their own inherent driving mechanisms, and are deeply influenced by the interaction between the international environment and political actors. The international climate governance trend and external pressure are contextual elements of Mexico's climate policy change, such as international agreements such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement, as well as the role of international actors such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The pressure from the United States on Mexico has also prompted Mexico to adjust its climate policy. The conceptual elements are reflected in the emphasis placed by rulers on climate issues, such as the Mexican president's promotion of climate policies. The democratic transition and decentralization of power provide institutional guarantees and channels for diverse actors to participate, promoting the development of non-governmental organizations in the field of environmental protection.

4、 The Historical Logic of Mexico's Climate Policy Evolution

Historical institutionalism provides a theoretical framework for climate policy change in Mexico, revealing the impact of key nodes, path dependencies, and historical veto points on policy evolution. Mexico's climate policy has gone through a stage from germination to deepening, with key milestones such as the approval of the Energy Transition Law providing a window and opportunity for policy change. Path dependence is reflected in the interaction between interest demands and change drivers. International influence, economic and security interests drive the development of climate policies, while democratic transformation, economic reform, and energy structure transformation provide opportunities to achieve these goals. However, historical veto points such as authoritarian culture, corporatism, and regulatory deficiencies pose challenges to policy-making, implementation, and regulation, reflecting the resistance of traditional political culture to the implementation of climate policies.

5、 Conclusion

Summarized the three stages of climate policy change in Mexico: from non political issues to national development agendas, from sporadic policies and regulations to systematic institutional systems, and from single country mobilization to the participation of multiple actors. Analyzed the intertwined impact of structural and historical factors, and pointed out that Mexico's climate policy change is a typical case of developing countries responding to climate change. It emphasizes the environmental and economic benefits brought by the effective integration of key factors, but also points out the obstacles caused by historical veto points, such as the centralized culture of policy-making, corporatism, and regulatory deficiencies. The inspiration of Mexico's climate policy for other developing countries has been proposed, including strengthening international cooperation, raising public environmental awareness, promoting political system reform, grasping key nodes of policy changes, and establishing long-term goals. Meanwhile, it is recommended that Latin American countries avoid the drawbacks of traditional political culture and achieve efficient implementation and sustainable development of climate policies through policy design, institutional construction, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.