Greenpeace Mexico Stages Protest in Paraíso, Tabasco

On the eve of the COP26 summit, Greenpeace members staged an “amphibious” protest in Paraiso, Tabasco, to demand that the government of Mexico combats climate change and disengages from the fossil fuel industry.

The southeastern state of Tabasco, home of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, saw a very particular kind of protest on Sunday when Greenpeace members took to the waters close to a lighter that burns surplus gas from the southwestern region of the Gulf of Mexico, close to the Dos Bocas refinery, to chant their mottos.

Protestors sailed and unfolded a 25m blanket that read “it’s already here #CrisisCliMéxico,” a warning that aims to increase awareness of the climate crisis that has “already reached Mexico.”

Greenpeace, an NGO that has seen itself involved in numerous scandals, warns that the changes proposed in the electric reform and, in general, the president’s energy strategies and policies “are not compatible with national and international goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Pablo Ramírez, specialist in energy and climate change at Greenpeace. He demands greater environmental commitment from the federal government and civil society.

“We are demanding,” he continued, “that Mexico takes its climate commitments seriously and establishes effective measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and, above all, measures to adapt to climate change that is already affecting us and that affects millions of people in this country.”

The Dos Bocas refinery, President López Obrador’s flagship project, is controversial for highlighting the government’s focus in non-sustainable energy sources. It also contrasts with the hitherto rising privatization of the energy sector in Mexico, a trend the president is hoping to reverse with the reform.

Greenpeace demanded what it calls “energy justice” in Tabasco, mainly to cope with the effects of climate change. “We see the vulnerable state, currently at the mercy of poor political decision-making. Economic development and respect for human rights can derive from a different, renewable energy model that is fair for people and for the environment,” commented Aleira Lara, Campaign Director for Greenpeace.

Greenpeace Mexico further called on the Mexican delegation that will participate in the COP26 to “present efficient, effective and urgent proposals.” Additionally, protestors are demanding the president recant and “rectify” his energy policies, for what they see as a “distraction” from transitioning to renewable energy sources.

"From Paraiso, Tabasco, we are launching a strong appeal because these people are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, where the fossil industry continues to strengthen and the problem continues to be reinforced instead of getting away from it," said Lara.