Climate love
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Weston Wilson

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Image of Claudia Sheinbaum

Claudia Sheinbaum

Climate love

Mexico's new president promotes ambitious rail transport plans

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Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's freshly sworn-in new president, has piqued the hopes of many in the climate community. Not only does she have an extensive history of advocating for and enacting better environmental policy as a public servant, she has also published an impressive number of books and articles on sustainability issues as an academic. She even contributed to the 2018 IPCC report.
It seems that Sheinbaum is eager to deliver on one particular climate-relevant campaign promise: the expansion of Mexico's passenger rail system.
If you've never heard of Mexico's passenger rail system, that's because it hardly exists. While a significant rail network was built throughout the country in the 19th and early 20th centuries, by the 1990's all passenger service had been discontinued. Sheinbaum's predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, succeeded (albeit not without controversy) in bringing passenger trains back to Mexico with his signature "Tren Maya" project. Now, Sheinbaum aims to extend rail service inland, starting with a commuter line connecting Mexico City to nearby Pachuca. There also appears to be interest in restoring train connection between the capital and the country's second largest city, Guadalajara.
And Mexico's congress is supporting the president's transit ambitions. They've just passed a reform approving state-run rail service.
These are positive developments. Mexico's per capita GHG emissions are, of course, far lower than those of its neighbors to the north. However, the country as a whole is a significant emitter, and developing mass transit is an equitable way lowering emissions while providing services to the communities that need them. I applaud President Sheinbaum's focus on trains, and I hope Mexico's rail system one day serves as an example for other countries to emulate.

Do you agree?

19 more agrees trigger social media ads

  • Rashid Kamau

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    The success of these initiatives will depend on effective implementation, stakeholder engagement, and addressing the challenges that may arise along the way.

    • walter lungayi

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      This initiative has the potential to stimulate economic growth, create job opportunities, and enhance the country's overall transportation network in a sustainable manner. However, challenges such as funding and implementation will need to be carefully navigated for the successful realization of these plans.

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      • Munene Mugambi

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        Expanding rail transport can significantly reduce emissions while improving mobility for communities. Her environmental commitment aligns well with these ambitious transit goals, offering a promising path for Mexico’s climate and infrastructure future.

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        • Sarah Chabane

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          Great move from the new President! It's time to bring back trains to Latin America 🚂

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          • Munene Mugambi

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            @sarah_chabane_874 Rail infrastructure can boost sustainable transportation, reduce emissions, and connect remote areas, promoting economic development while offering a more eco-friendly alternative to road and air travel.

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          • We Don't Have Time

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            Dear Weston Wilson Your climate love has received over 50 agrees! We have reached out to Claudia Sheinbaum by email and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! To reach more people and increase the chance of a response, click the Share button above to share the review on your social accounts. For every new member that joins We Don't Have Time from your network, we will plant a tree and attribute it to you! /Adam, We Don't Have Time

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            • Kihm Francis

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              Wise vision for cleaner transportation that showcases a proactive approach to combating climate change.

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              • Munene Mugambi

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                @frankoh_kihm_080 Promoting cleaner transportation through rail revitalization not only reduces emissions but also demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to addressing climate change while improving connectivity.

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              • Varsa Mahananda

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                That's great news! Public commute is the need of the hour in every part of the world

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                • Princess

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                  This is a visionary move towards enhancing the country's connectivity and fostering sustainable growth. Well done Claudia 👏

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                  • Annett Michuki..

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                    I believe with her years in climate advocacy she will bring so much change in Mexico

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                    • MA Reen

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                      A woman in power with versed knowledge in sustainability and one who is ready to put the climate campaigns in action is just phenomenal.The future is soo bright for Mexico 🇲🇽.Congratulations .

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                      • Markus Lutteman

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                        Great move. I had no idea that the railway system in Mexico was in such a dire state.

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