decision

Greenpeace Mexico v. Ministry of Energy and Others (on the Energy Sector Program) - decision

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Greenpeace Mexico v. Ministry of Energy and Others (on the Energy Sector Program) - complaint

Filing Year For Action

On August 20, 2020, Greenpeace Mexico lodged a complaint in the District Court of Mexico City against Mexico's Energy Sector Program for 2020-2024, which had been finalized on July 8, 2020. The complaint asserts that the Program infringes upon human rights, including the right to a healthy environment and access to electricity from renewable sources. This infringement stems from the Program's promotion of fossil fuel usage at the expense of investments in renewable energy, greenhouse gas reduction, and climate adaptation.

Subsequently, on September 21, 2020, the Court issued a preliminary injunction, temporarily suspending the Program while the case was pending resolution. This suspension was predicated on the Program's prioritization of fossil fuels, which could potentially pose imminent, irreparable harm.

On February 22, 2021, Greenpeace expanded its complaint to encompass the Federal Expenditure Budget for the Federation for the fiscal year 2021, specifically annexes 15 and 16. Annex 15 pertains to the budget allocation for the energy transition strategy, which promotes renewable technologies, while Annex 16 concerns resources assigned for climate change adaptation and mitigation. However, on March 19, 2021, the Court denied the request for a preliminary injunction to suspend the Federal Budget annexes. This denial was based on the belief that suspending the Federal Budget would disrupt public order due to its significance to society.

Furthermore, on March 31, 2023, in relation to the Energy Sector Program for 2020-2024, the Court determined that the lawsuit had been filed beyond the legally established deadline. As for the complaint against the Federal Expenditure Budget for the Federation for the fiscal year 2021, the Judge deemed it inadmissible because the budget for that year was no longer in effect. Consequently, the case was dismissed.

On April 27, 2023, Greenpeace filed an appeal against the dismissal of the case. On May 9, 2023 the appellate Collegiate Court admitted the appeal. On October 6, 2023, Greenpeace requested the Mexican Supreme Court to hear the appeal. On November 16, the Supreme Court decided not to hear the case. Therefore, the Collegiate Court will resolve the case, and the decision is pending.

On June 19, 2025, the Collegiate Court confirmed the District Court decision, dismissing the case. 

Greenpeace Mexico v. Ministry of Energy and Others (on the Energy Sector Program)

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An aim to achieve a quantifiable outcome within a given time-frame, set by an institution such as a national government.

Policy instruments are techniques or tools used by governing authorities to promote certain policies in order to achieve predetermined goals. Put simply, instruments are how a government tries to achieve its goals, with this taxonomy being focused on national policy instruments.

Risk is the potential for adverse consequences resulting from the dynamic interplay between (climate-related) hazards, exposure, and vulnerability of affected human or ecological systems.

Groups  of people who are adversely affected by climate change or the response to it

A set of principles, processes, and practices that build economic and political power to shift from an extractive economy to a regenerative economy.

Renewable energy means all forms of energy produced from renewable sources in a sustainable manner.

Fossil fuel is a generic term for non-renewable energy sources such as coal, fossil gas, and oil (including crude oil, and petroleum products), that can be used for electricity and heat generation. Fossil fuels are hydrocarbons formed from pressurised and heated organic material buried over millions of years.

Molecules in the atmosphere that play a key role in the greenhouse effect by trapping heat radiating from Earth’s surface.

Area of the economy in which actors engage in identical or related activities.

In human systems, the process of adjustment to actual or expected climate change and its effects, in order to moderate harm, increase resilience or exploit beneficial opportunities. In natural systems, the process of adjustment to actual climate change and its effects; human intervention may facilitate adjustment to expected climate change and its effects.

The management and allocation of funds, assets and investments to meet various objectives

The activities of industries involved in the production, distribution, and sale of energy, including electricity, gas, and renewables.

This sector creates and distributes information and entertainment through television, radio, print, and digital platforms.

Oil is a combustible liquid fossil fuel composed mainly of hydrocarbons, occurring as crude oil and refined into petroleum products such as petrol, diesel and kerosene.

Either money or something of monetary value is transferred between two or more organisations, people or countries.

A company that is owned wholly or partially by the state, typically operating in key sectors.

This sector provides communication services, software development, and IT solutions.

Greenpeace Mexico v. Ministry of Energy and Others (on the Energy Sector Program) - decision

Renewable energy

Fossil fuel

Economic sector

Adaptation/resilience

Finance