QC mayor Belmote lands in Forbes Sustainability Leaders List

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte is among the 50 individuals included in Forbes' first-ever list of global sustainability leaders, the US media and publishing company said.

Forbes said the list puts the spotlight on leaders—from entrepreneurs, scientists, philanthropists, investors, politicians to activists—who are "taking bold steps and driving meaningful change" against the climate crisis.

"The 50 honorees recognized as Forbes inaugural Sustainability Leaders span industries and disciplines while all demonstrating exceptional ambition, innovation, and recent, tangible impact that is both scalable and sustainable," Forbes said.

Belmote is the lone Filipino who made this year's Forbes Sustainability Leaders List.

In citing her achievements, Forbes said Quezon City became first in the country in 2019 to declare a climate emergency.

"That move allowed Belmonte to allocate 13% of the city's budget (which has since increased) to climate initiatives to reach its stated goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050," Forbes said.

Other initiates under her leadership were also cited, namely: doubling the city's bike path network to 217 miles; free e-bus services; adding solar panels to public buildings; banning plastic bags and single-use utensils; introducing a "trash-to-cashback" program; and setting up refilling stations for liquid detergents and other household items.

In a statement on Saturday, Belmonte said, "We are extremely honored to be part of this inaugural list. This further solidifies our commitment to combating climate change and its negative impact on the environment and our QCitizens."

"It will also inspire our local government to continue discovering and implementing vital solutions that contribute to a healthier planet for current and future generations. We have to act fast and decisively on this problem," Belmonte added.

Belmonte was also recognized as a 2023 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Champion of the Earth for Policy Leadership for her policy leadership against plastic pollution.

Other Forbes honorees include Gaurab Chakrabart (United States), a Forbes 30 Under 30 alumnus who turned sustainable ingredients into chemicals as co-founder of Solugen; fashion designer Stella McCartney (United Kingdom), who serves as special advisor on sustainability for LVMH; Mia Mottley, prime minister of Barbados; Nemonte Nenquimo (Ecuador), co-founder of indigenous rights group Amazon Frontlines; and Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. (United States) of Hip Hop Caucus, a non-profit which highlights hip hop music and culture to engage young voters in the political process. — VDV, GMA Integrated News