Extreme Weather Impacts on Latina Maternal and Children’s Health, an inaugural event for EcoMadres and Moms Clean Air Force, gathered a significant audience of advocates determined to address the immediate climate and air quality challenges facing Latino families. The event united community leaders, health care professionals, and policymakers to tackle the unique climate-related health challenges disproportionately impacting Latino communities.
By hosting this summit, Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres harness the power of our voices to protect our children’s future and ensure a healthier environment. Recognizing that the Latino community often bears the brunt of environmental injustices, this event in Arizona was both strategic and a call to action for the entire nation.
“Latino families shouldn’t live in fear of the air they are breathing,” emphasized Isabel González Whitaker, Director of EcoMadres. Through a series of engaging panels, the summit delved into the intersections of extreme weather events, maternal health, and child well-being, emphasizing the need for federal, state, and local investments in climate resilience. It also made clear the dangers of “advanced recycling” and the need to stay alert on industry’s attempt at greenwashing it as a solution to the plastics crisis.
Speakers highlighted the disproportionate impact of extreme weather on Latino communities, especially those living in areas with poor air quality and frequent climate threats. “The health of our families is inextricably linked to the health of our environment,” added Ylenia Aguilar, Southwest Field Organizer for Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres. Aguilar also stressed the urgency of advocacy for stronger protections against environmental hazards, highlighting that the future of our children hinges on the actions taken today. Conversations also reinforced how there are already investments made available by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act that are helping to clean up our air and prevent future health issues caused by the impacts from climate change.
Dr. Eugene Livar, Arizona’s Chief Heat Officer, underscored the significance of collaborative efforts to combat heat-related health concerns and spoke on the Governor’s Extreme Heat Preparedness Plan as a testament to Arizona’s dedication to protect public health. “We must ensure all communities have access to the resources they need to thrive,” he asserted.
Yadira Sánchez, Poder Latinx Executive Director, also delivered a powerful message calling for bold, urgent action to protect communities that have historically borne the brunt of environmental neglect: “We cannot afford to stand by while our families suffer.”
This summit was a pivotal moment for sharing insights and fostering partnerships among stakeholders. As EcoMadres and Moms Clean Air Force continue their fight for environmental justice, the demand for fair solutions to tackle air pollution and climate change is more critical than ever. The inaugural summit raised awareness about the challenges at hand and ignited a collective commitment to ensure a healthier future for Latino families.
EcoMusica, an initiative of EcoMadres, was responsible for the vibrant performances at the event. The band SonTierra—formed to emphasize the significance of music as a language that fosters trust and connection within Latino communities—captivated the audience with its powerful melodies. Their presence highlighted the integral role that music plays in uniting individuals around shared values and environmental advocacy, reinforcing the event’s message of community engagement and collective action.
Other speakers at the event included Noemi Emeric-Ford, Southern California Field Office Director for EPA Region 9, and Anna Tovar, Commissioner of the Arizona Corporation Commission. Additionally, Kacey C. Ernst, PhD MPH, Chair and Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Arizona, shared valuable insights alongside Emma Viera, Executive Director of Unlimited Potential, and Paloma Greenwald, a Health Policy Registered Nurse. Their diverse expertise underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing environmental health challenges.
The summit concluded with a powerful collective call to action, emphasizing the critical role of civic participation in driving meaningful change. Leaders underscored that one doesn’t need to run for office to advocate for the health and safety of their community, but that there is power in each person’s voice to enact change. Participants were encouraged to demand action and take steps, large or small, toward protecting their families from the harmful impacts of climate change. This closing message solidified the summit’s commitment to empowering individuals and communities to be proactive in shaping a healthier, more resilient future for all.
For more information on EcoMadres and their initiatives, visit EcoMadres. Together, we can create a safer, healthier environment for generations to come.