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Also known as Jóvenes v. Gobierno de México. 15 young people from Baja California filed a lawsuit against the Mexican government, asking it to take action against climate change. The youth were accompanied by DAN (Defensa Ambiental del Noroeste) Environmental Defense lawyers and Our Children's Trust, who filed the lawsuit in Mexico City.
Background[edit]
Mexico is one of 10 countries that are collectively responsible for 73% of all greenhouse gas emissions on the planet. Its main sources of emissions are fossil fuels, mismanaged waste, agriculture, and industry. In September 2020, fifteen young people ages 17 to 23 from the State of Baja, California filed a federal lawsuit against the Mexican Government. The plaintiffs argue that Mexico must guarantee access to a healthy environment for its citizens.[1] They ask that Mexico issue regulations and public policies derived from the General Law on Climate Change (GLCC) and the Mexican Constitution.[2] The GLCC gives the Mexican government the framework for the creation of institutions and financing to move towards a low carbon economy. The General Law on Climate Change was passed in 2012 but, according to the plaintiffs, there are no regulations or public policies to implement the statute.[3]
Relevant Law and Principles[edit]
- Mexican Constitution
- Right to a healthy environment
- General Law on Climate Change
Ruling[edit]
The case is still in process. The hearing was scheduled just days after Mexico's environmental minister quit.[4]
Takeaways[edit]
Although a sentence has not yet been handed down, the legal interest of the young people has been recognized, and their claim has been admitted. Either outcome will set a precedent for the youth of the country. The case is part of a growing body of Youth Lawsuits across the globe.