Philip Levine receives French Legion of Honor for climate change work

If Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine does indeed enter Florida’s gubernatorial sweepstakes (as is predicted), he’ll have one award none of his opponents can touch.

The French Legion of Honor, to be precise.

During a Tuesday night ceremony at the residence of Gérard Araud, the French Ambassador to the U.S., the 55-year-old Levine was presented with the insignia of the “Légion d’Honneur” (Legion of Honor), considered the highest distinction bestowed in France on a French citizen or foreigners “to reward eminent military and civil merits.”

In Levine’s case, he earned the honor for work combating climate change.

“Mayor Levine has been a true champion of climate change and has shown a steadfast commitment to upholding the principles and values of the historic Paris Climate Accord,” Araud said Tuesday. “It’s Mayors like Philip Levine who are leading the way in the U.S. and France is proud to recognize the leadership shown by our American partners.”

Levine remarked said he was honored to receive the award on behalf of Miami Beach “and all Floridians” who believe in the threats of sea level rise due to climate change.

“President [Barack] Obama‘s leadership in guiding the United States through the signing of the Paris Climate Accord, where he told the world of the threats South Florida communities like Miami Beach face because of climate change and the work we have done, allowed our two countries to forge even stronger bonds,” Levine said. “I am humbled by President Macron and Ambassador Araud’s recognition and look forward to our continued work together.”

Under Levine’s leadership, Miami Beach has committed nearly $500 million since 2014 to elevate more than 100 miles of roads, installing 80 new pump stations, upgrading stormwater drainage utilities and raising sea walls in the most vulnerable areas by up to 5 feet.