Climate Champions: Michelle Zárate Palomec and Sebastian Mwaura Win UN Awards

Amidst the global efforts to combat climate change, two remarkable individuals, Michelle Zárate Palomec from Mexico and Sebastian Mwaura from Kenya, are set to be honored as winners of the UN Global Climate Action Awards. Their outstanding contributions, aimed at creating sustainable, resilient, and equitable communities, will be celebrated during the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai.

The Awardees and Their Inspiring Initiatives

Michelle Zárate Palomec: Water for Indigenous Communities

At the age of 27, Zárate Palomec leads initiatives within Espacio de Encuentro de las Culturas Originarias to provide clean and sufficient water to marginalized indigenous communities in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Her work addresses water scarcity challenges and combats social and gender inequalities exacerbated by water pollution.

Sebastian Mwaura: Driving Sustainable E-Mobility

Co-founder of Yna Kenya, 35-year-old Mwaura is recognized for his efforts in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles.
His organization focuses on establishing a robust charging network powered by renewable energy sources, while also creating employment opportunities for women through the HerGo program in the e-mobility transport sector.

Selection Process and Global Impact

Zárate Palomec and Mwaura were selected from a pool of applicants representing 120 countries, highlighting the global nature of the UN Global Climate Action Awards. Their impactful initiatives demonstrate the potential for local actions to contribute significantly to the global fight against climate change.

Michelle Zárate Palomec’s Water Access Advocacy

Championing Indigenous Communities

Zárate Palomec’s work specifically targets highly marginalized indigenous communities in Oaxaca, where access to clean water is a pressing challenge.
The initiative addresses not only environmental concerns but also tackles social and gender disparities.

Sebastian Mwaura’s Vision for Sustainable Transport

Empowering Women in E-Mobility

Mwaura’s dedication to sustainable transport extends beyond electric vehicles to inclusivity within the sector. The HerGo program, aiming to create 12,000 jobs for women as drivers and charging-station owners, exemplifies his commitment to gender equality and environmental sustainability.