Metro Manila, Philippines – A city mayor was recognized by Forbes as one of the 50 sustainability leaders across the globe.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte entered the inaugural list for her climate initiatives – such as electrifying free bus services, adding solar panels to public buildings, and banning plastic bags, among others.
The list includes entrepreneurs, scientists, philanthropists, public servants, investors, and activists spearheading efforts to address the climate crisis.
Belmonte is the lone Filipino who bagged the honor.
“In 2019, shortly after Joy Belmonte took office as mayor, Quezon City, the most populous city in the Philippines, became first in the country 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.
In a Facebook post, Belmonte said this recognition strengthens the local government’s commitment to combat climate change.
“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,” she said.
