Forbes recognizes Rhett Butler, founder of Mongabay, in their Sustainability Leaders List.
In the realm of environmental journalism, Mongabay stands as a beacon of hope and change. Founded by Rhett A. Butler in his California apartment, the newsroom has grown to become a global force, with bureaus in Latin America, India, Africa, and Brazil, and approximately 1,000 contributors across more than 80 countries.
Mongabay's focus is on ensuring that credible environmental information is available to everyone, especially those with the power to act. This commitment to transparency and accessibility has resulted in tangible impacts on the ground.
Reporting from Paraguay, for instance, linked illegal deforestation to cattle and leather, helping push the EU to include leather in its anti-deforestation law. Similarly, Mongabay's reporting in Peru contributed to the government revoking a company's permit, the company's delisting from the London Stock Exchange, and the protection of nearly 100,000 hectares (247,000 acres) of rainforest. Coverage by Mongabay in Gabon led to the revocation of a foreign logging company's permit, a first in Gabon.
Mongabay does not measure success in clicks or pageviews, but rather in "meaningful, real-world outcomes." This approach has been exemplified by the direct engagement that has led to these victories. Hundreds of local media outlets worldwide republish Mongabay content, further extending its reach and influence.
The newsroom's planned story transformer initiative will use AI with human editors to repackage original reporting into audio and local languages for frontline communities that may struggle with barriers in language or literacy. This innovative approach aims to ensure that the message of sustainability reaches everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
Rhett A. Butler, the founder and CEO of Mongabay, has been named to the 2025 Forbes Sustainability Leaders List. His lifelong commitment to conservation, rooted in a personal experience in a rainforest in Borneo when he was a teenager, has driven him to lead efforts such as balancing energy demand with AI, restoring ecosystems, and reshaping finance.
The Forbes Sustainability Leaders List honors 50 global leaders working to combat the climate crisis. Despite political ESG skepticism, the list is dominated by 26 U.S. leaders, featuring innovators across sectors selected by judges including Laurene Powell Jobs and Jane Fonda.
Butler states that these victories are not abstract but forests still standing, communities empowered, and ecosystems given a second chance. As Mongabay continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to driving change for a sustainable future remains steadfast.
