Mexico elects climate scientist Claudia Sheinbaum as president. How will she lead?

Mexico’s new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, is a left-of-center climate scientist with a doctorate in energy engineering and a background in politics.

Somini Sengupta reports for The New York Times.

In short:

• Claudia Sheinbaum, former mayor of Mexico City, is known for her environmental initiatives, such as electrifying public transport and installing solar arrays.
• Despite her commitment to renewable energy, Sheinbaum supports maintaining oil production and state control of Pemex, Mexico’s indebted national oil company.
• She faces significant challenges, including balancing environmental goals with economic demands and addressing issues of poverty, migration, and crime.

Key quote:

"Claudia is an environmental scientist and unlike her mentor, AMLO, believes in decarbonization and in boosting renewables."

— Shannon O’Neil, Mexico specialist at the Council on Foreign Relations

Why this matters:

Mexico's election of a climate scientist as president highlights a potential shift toward more sustainable energy policies.