Forbes recently released their first-ever Sustainability Leaders List, which notably does not include Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and one of the world’s richest individuals. The list focuses on individuals who have made a significant impact on sustainability in the past two years, and while Musk’s early contributions to the electric vehicle industry were groundbreaking, his recent performance has not met the criteria for inclusion.
One of the key reasons Musk was excluded from the list is the decline of Tesla in recent years. The company, once a leader in the electric car industry, has seen its profits decline for four consecutive quarters. Delays and manufacturing issues surrounding the Cybertruck, one of Tesla’s most anticipated products, have also contributed to the company’s challenges. Additionally, Tesla’s Supercharger network, a key competitive advantage for the company, is now being slowed down, potentially hindering the growth of the electric vehicle market in the U.S.
Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in 2022 has also raised concerns regarding climate goals. Under his leadership, policies related to misinformation and climate denialism on the platform have been relaxed, leading to an increase in false information about climate change. Additionally, Musk’s space company, SpaceX, is facing government inquiries related to environmental violations at its Starbase facility in Texas, further casting a shadow on his environmental record.
Moreover, Musk’s apparent lack of interest in leading sustainability efforts has also contributed to his exclusion from the Sustainability Leaders List. His removal of Tesla’s climate manifesto, in which he expressed a commitment to transitioning to a more sustainable economy, and his recent remarks suggesting a lack of urgency in addressing climate change have raised concerns among environmental experts and advocates.
Forbes plans to release an updated Sustainability Leaders List annually, with a focus on recent, impactful actions in the sustainability space. While Musk has made significant contributions to the electric vehicle industry in the past, his recent performance and priorities do not align with the criteria for inclusion on the list. Should he demonstrate a renewed commitment to sustainability in the future, he may be reconsidered for inclusion in subsequent editions of the list.
