Miss Puerto Rico is Miss Earth 2019!

Miss Puerto Rico, Nelly Pimentel, bested 85 lovely candidates from all over the world to win Miss Earth 2019 — congratulations!

Joining her in the top spots are Miss USA (Miss Air), Miss Czech Republic (Miss Water), and Miss Belarus (Miss Fire).

Photo: Danny Pata

Miss Philippines Janelle Lazo Tee bowed out of the pageant early, finishing in the Top 20.

Miss Puerto Rico was asked what she would say to leaders and influencers who are still unconvinced that climate change is real. Her winning answer:

"I would have to say that addressing this issue of people not believing in climate change is more of, a matter of lack of education. Not only lack of education but also the ignorance and not wanting to inform themselves of the fact that we are living in a planet that this is our biggest home, and we have taken advantage of it instead of putting back what it is giving to us. Making notable leaders and influencers engage with themselves and becoming better people is the most important thing to do."

Congratulations! — LA, GMA News