Sheinbaum Is Recognized for Global Leadership in Sustainability

Sheinbaum will be honored with the Contribution to Sustainability Medal from the Nobel Sustainability Trust (NST) for her commitment to create a sustainable future. Further underscoring her environmental leadership, Sheinbaum was included in TIME's 2024 TIME100 Climate list, which recognizes the 100 most influential leaders driving real climate action. Sheinbaum’s recent honors highlight her groundbreaking work in urban sustainability and climate action, from expanding green spaces and public transit in Mexico City to championing renewable energy.

As the former Mayor of Mexico City (2018–2023), Sheinbaum enacted impactful policies focused on reducing carbon emissions and advancing urban sustainability. Her initiatives included expanding public transportation, growing green spaces, and promoting cycling as a key part of Mexico City's transit infrastructure.

As a strong advocate for climate action, Sheinbaum emphasized the crucial role that cities play in addressing global environmental challenges. Her contributions to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) underscore her expertise and dedication. She was part of the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report team in 2007, a contribution that helped the IPCC earn the Nobel Peace Prize that same year. She later served as a lead author for the industry chapter in the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report in 2013, further solidifying her role in global climate discussions.

Sheinbaum has prioritized community engagement in sustainability efforts, encouraging participation and ensuring that residents have a say in environmental decision-making. Under her leadership, Mexico City committed to ambitious climate goals aligned with international agreements. She advocated for a transition to renewable energy sources, actively promoting solar energy and other clean technologies to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

In May 2024, Mexico City received the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize, an international award recognizing outstanding achievements in creating livable, vibrant, and sustainable urban communities. According to the evaluation, Mexico City's programs achieved notable progress in urban renewal, environmental sustainability, transportation, and digital transformation, benefiting residents across all segments of society.

Sheinbaum will share the Nobel Sustainability Trust award with Ban Ki-moon, former United Nations Secretary General, who was instrumental in advancing the global climate agenda, particularly through the Paris Agreement and the establishment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, Nov. 21, at the University of California, Berkeley.

Sheinbaum was also included in TIME's 2024 TIME100 Climate list. She appeared in the “Titans” category, alongside prominent global figures including Ajay Banga, World Bank President; Bill Gates, Founder, Breakthrough Energy and TerraPower, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Founder, Travalyst. Susana Muhamad, Colombia’s Environment Minister was also included in this list, highlighting her work to curb deforestation and support initiatives to phase out fossil fuels. These recognitions for Sheinbaum and Muhamad showcase the rising influence of Latin American women in international environmental policy and their pivotal role in advancing the green agenda.