Claudia Sheinbaum: Can the climate scientist-turned-politician bring a difference in oil-reliant Mexico?
The year 2024 is expected to mark several historic outcomes. One such result has been the election of Claudia Sheinbaum as the first female President of Mexico. The oil-reliant country has elected the most scientifically experienced climate premier in history.
Can Sheinbaum change things in Mexico for the better? Margaret Thatcher in Britain; Merkel in Germany and Sheinbaum in Mexico. All three are the first female politicians to be elected leaders of their countries. They are also prominent for their scientific expertise.
Historically, the combination has been advantageous for the environment. But as their tenures continued, Thatcher and Merkel’s green advocacy declined, particularly at home. By comparison, Sheinbaum specifically studied environmental engineering and has a good deal of experience.
Can Mexico’s first female president make things better?
Claudia Sheinbaum has played a significant role in communicating the scientific consensus around climate change on the international stage. Can she then actually make a substantial difference? Several people have reservations about the degree of change she can bring.
The 61-year-old potentially has the most formal climate science background of any political premier in history. She studied for a doctorate in California – on emissions from buildings and the environmental impacts of the transport sector of Mexico City.
Sheinbaum’s expertise in climate change is the need of the hour. Mexico’s capital Mexico City is currently in the grip of extreme temperature surges. The situation is so serious that monkeys are falling out of trees. Circumstances in other countries are not better, however.
Former Prez López Obrador criticised by green groups
During her role as the mayor of Mexico City from 2018 to 2023, Claudia Sheinbaum spearheaded public transport reform and championed solar energy. During her presidential campaign, she promised to boost clean energy investment and to deliver on decarbonisation.
Sheinbaum’s predecessor López Obrador has been heavily criticised by green groups. By running on behalf of his ruling party Morena, there are concerns that the female President of Mexico will continue the infamous legacy of the former leader.
Mexico is often praised as one of the key climate leaders across the globe for becoming the first developing nation to pass landmark legislation on global warming. But its economy is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Keep an eye out for more updates from Eco Discussion.
Read More: High temperatures in Mexico causing monkeys to fall out of trees like apples
