We have officially kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to reflect on our collective and individual contributions and achievements as Latinos. This is also a time to bring to the forefront environmental injustices and climate change vulnerabilities Latinos continue to endure.
Frontline communities have historically shouldered an outsize burden from the impacts of air pollution and the climate crisis. While contending with adversity, EcoMadres remain steadfast in our mission for a just and equitable future–one in which we all breathe clean air.
At EcoMadres, we harness the power of our voices and lived experiences to influence decisions that impact us and the future of our children. Our actions help ensure equitable climate policies are in place, so our communities can thrive.
This month–and all year round–EcoMadres will be celebrating, uplifting, and driving change within our communities. Learn about our upcoming events and join in on the action!
STRONGER OZONE PROTECTIONS FOR STRONGER COMUNIDADES
We know poor air quality can harm human health. But did you know that ozone pollution is linked to asthma, heart and lung failure, and even premature death? Latino children experience 153,000 asthma attacks and 112,000 missed school days each year due to seasonal increases in ozone from oil and gas air pollution!
Stronger ozone standards mean less asthma attacks and less trips to the emergency room. It also helps protect the 1.8 million Latinos living within one half mile of an oil or gas facility who breathe dangerous levels of toxic air pollution. Families bearing the brunt of climate and air pollution need our help in advocating for stronger ozone standards. Our communities deserve it!
TELL EPA: DO NOT DELAY ON OZONE POLLUTION
ECOMADRES EN ACCION: WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
Hitting the road with an EcoMadre and her electric bus. An equitable transition to electric school buses is possible, and there are clear benefits for the whole community. EcoMadre and school bus driver Carmen Cortez explains in an op-ed published in La Opinión why this shift is so important, and what it means for her and the schoolchildren.
Lifting up voices at the Raizado Festival. Director of EcoMadres, Isabel González Whitaker, joined Latinos from across the country to highlight issues impacting Latino communities. Isabel spoke on the panel, “The Original Sustainers: Latinx Community Leading to Preserve the Planet.” Watch here.
Pushing for clean energy investments in Latino communities. Iowa field organizer Karin Stein is featured in The Cedar Rapids Gazette‘s list of Iowans combating climate change. Karin also shares with La Opinión how investments from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are benefitting Latino communities across the country.
ECOMUSICA
In this ‘Corrido p’al Congreso’ performed by the SonTierra ensemble, we urge members of Congress to stand with us in our fight for healthier, and safer environments for Latino communities.
Join our powerful and growing community of parents and caregivers working together to protect the health of Latino families from air pollution and climate change.