Four mayors from different cities have been recognized by Forbes for their efforts in sustainability and climate change. Michelle Wu of Boston, Anne Hidalgo of Paris, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown, Sierra Leone, and Joy Belmonte of Quezon City, Philippines have all implemented policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change in their respective cities. Each mayor has taken unique approaches to addressing the climate crisis, from increasing tree canopy to implementing innovative recycling programs.
In a conversation with Aki-Sawyerr and Belmonte, they discussed the challenges of climate change in their cities. Aki-Sawyerr highlighted the influx of people migrating to Freetown due to climate change impacts, leading to a focus on increasing tree cover to combat heat and improve air quality. Belmonte, facing a typhoon during the conversation, shared initiatives such as expanding bike paths and implementing a “trash-to-cashback” program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Quezon City. Both mayors emphasized the importance of local action in addressing the global climate crisis.
In Boston, Mayor Wu has taken significant steps towards sustainability, including fully divesting the city’s fossil fuels and implementing policies to decarbonize buildings. In Paris, Mayor Hidalgo has focused on sustainable transportation, planting trees, and making the city more environmentally friendly. These mayors are leading the way in implementing sustainable practices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their cities.
Despite their efforts, funding for climate initiatives remains a challenge for cities like Freetown and Quezon City. Aki-Sawyerr and Belmonte highlighted the injustice of cities that have not significantly contributed to the climate crisis being impacted the most and having limited access to resources. They advocate for increased support for these cities to address the challenges of climate change and build more sustainable communities.
