Overview
- Marcos A. Orellana ended a 9–20 March visit assessing hazardous substances and waste in Mexico with preliminary findings.
- He called for a general chemicals law and a separate law on highly hazardous pesticides to address key regulatory gaps.
- He warned about proliferating “sacrifice zones” and criticized waste co‑processing that burns imported residues as cheap fuel with health impacts.
- He acknowledged Mexico’s broad environmental framework, citing the General Law on Circular Economy now in force and the judiciary’s role in access to justice.
- Mexican authorities and the envoy highlighted severe pollution in the Atoyac, Lerma–Santiago and Tula river basins, as the government reaffirmed cooperation ahead of a full UN report in the second half of 2026.