Environmental activism in Latino communities has deep roots. Back in the 1970s, farmworkers famously organized against pesticide exposure, laying the groundwork for what has become the modern environmental justice movement. Today, nearly three-quarters of Latinos in the U.S. report that climate change significantly affects their health and well-being. And thankfully, many of them are taking action, fighting for clean air, a stable climate, and protections from toxic chemicals.
Here are 10 dedicated and impactful Latino climate activists currently giving us hope this Hispanic Heritage Month.
Xiye Bastida
Born in Mexico to environmentalist parents, Xiye became one of the lead teen organizers of the Fridays for the Future strike movement when her family moved to New York City after flooding in her hometown. She’s addressed the United Nations and has been recognized as a TIME 100Next honoree. In 2020, she cofounded international nonprofit Re-Earth Initiative to support frontline climate activists in dozens of countries around the globe. Xiye’s Otomi-Toltec heritage informed her 2025 TED Talk, “Your inner fire is your greatest strength,” which has been played over 500,000 times. The talk is a call to intergenerational action rooted in Indigenous wisdom.
Andrea Delgado
After a 20-year career advising White House officials and grassroots leaders on a wide range of environmental issues, Andrea launched her own firm, Hawk Eye Strategies, in early 2026. Her approach centers on delivering concrete results for Tribal and other groups navigating a complex policy landscape. Her work is backed by on-the-ground experience: Andrea, a former Deputy Regional Forester in the U.S. Forest Service, keeps her credentials updated so she can continue to support firefighters on the frontlines.
Isaias Hernandez
On his popular Queer Brown Vegan media platform, Isaias educates the masses about everything from clean energy permitting reform to the importance of composting. Isaias, a Mexican-American, grew up in Los Angeles, where his childhood was negatively impacted by poverty and poor air quality. His work has been featured in top publications like the New York Times and Vogue, and his new book, Dear Environmentalist: Notes on Climate, Community, and the World We Still Deserve, will be published in 2027.
Mark Magaña
The first Latino to serve as senior staff in both the White House and congressional leadership, Mark founded Green Latinos in 2012. This national coalition of Latino/a/e leaders seeks to secure political, economic, cultural, and environmental liberation. The eco-pioneer also serves on the boards of the League of Conservation Voters, National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, Green 2.0, and the Children’s Environmental Health Network.
Xiuhtezcatl Martinez
An environmental activist, recording artist, and author, Xiuhtezcatl centers his Indigenous heritage in his call for global climate action. After protesting the fossil fuel industry in Colorado as a child, Martinez went on to address the United Nations at age 15 and sue the federal government for failing to act on the climate crisis. These days, he uses music to amplify his activism, especially his work to restore Tribal sovereignty and stewardship over ancestral lands. He has also garnered media attention and starred in ad campaigns for national clothing brands.
Follow Xiuhtezcatl on Instagram.
Juan, Ana, and Bryan Parras
Environmental activism is a family affair for the Parrases. In the 90s, Juan and Ana organized Houston communities against the petrochemical plants and refineries surrounding their neighborhoods. Together, they founded Unidos Contra Environmental Racism, now known as Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services (T.e.j.a.s.). Today, Juan’s son Bryan continues the family fight as a consultant and organizer who supports efforts like Another Gulf Is Possible and other community-based efforts.
Follow T.e.j.a.s. on Instagram.
Alex Silva
In his Las Vegas high school, Alex led an environmental club where he taught his peers about issues like pollution. In 2020, at age 18, he brought those lessons to a wider audience as ecofreako on Tiktok and cofounded EcoTok with 17 other creatives, scientists, and activists. The platform brings together activists with different backgrounds and expertise to promote media literacy, climate optimism, and community. Their group has partnered with TED Countdown as well as Gates Ventures to reach new audiences with their sharp, accessible commentary.
Andrea Vidaurre
Andrea grew up in one of the worst regions in the U.S. for air quality in the late 1990s and early 2000s: California’s Inland Empire, located to the east of Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The experience led her to cofound the People’s Collective for Environmental Justice, a community-based organization working on environmental racism and air pollution, in 2020. She led the campaigns behind two landmark state regulations to limit air and climate pollution from the freight transportation system. In 2024, she won the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize.
Tell Congress: The Climate Clock Is Ticking. Act Now for Our Kids’ Future.