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Latino Voices Driving Climate Justice
As the climate crisis intensifies, a new generation of Latino leaders is rising to the forefront, using their voices to advocate for environmental justice and drive meaningful change in their communities. Read on to discover the Latino changemakers in climate action, fostering a better and more sustainable future for all.
Naomi Flores: Climate Democracy Trailblazer
Naomi Flores, a 24-year-old climate activist from Mexico, is at the vanguard of this movement.
As the communications coordinator for Latinas for Climate, Flores has been a vocal advocate for climate democracy and sustainable public policies.
She has represented youth perspectives at major global forums like the Paris Peace Forum and COP26.
Melissa Cáceres: Honduran Youth Climate Leader
In Honduras, 22-year-old Melissa Cáceres is a rising force in the climate movement.
She currently serves as the capacity building and development coordinator at Sustenta Honduras, gender and education coordinator at Latinas for Climate, and spokesperson for Fridays For Future Honduras.
Cáceres is also the Honduras ambassador for Unite 2030, the country coordinator for LCOY 2022, and was a delegate at RCOY 2022 in Costa Rica.
Yadira Sanchez: Empowering Latino Communities
Yadira Sanchez, the executive director of Poder Latinx, is spearheading efforts to connect Latino communities with the benefits of the federal Climate Action Plan.
Through the “Nos Ayuda a Vivir” campaign, Poder Latinx aims to educate Hispanics in battleground states about available funding for energy-efficient home upgrades and clean energy initiatives.
Dr. Juan Declet-Barreto: Climate Science Trailblazer
In the realm of climate science, Dr. Juan Declet-Barreto, a social scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, is a trailblazer.
His research focuses on the disproportionate impacts of climate change on Latino communities, particularly in areas like public health, housing, and economic well-being. His work informs strategies for building resilience and promoting environmental justice.
Ramón Cruz: Renowned Environmental Activist
Ramón Cruz is a renowned environmental activist and former president of the Sierra Club, one of the oldest and most influential grassroots environmental organizations in US. As the first Hispanic president in Sierra Club’s 130-year history, Cruz is a trailblazer, amplifying Latino voices in the environmental movement.
During his tenure, Cruz prioritized engaging Latino communities on issues of environmental justice and climate change. He advocated for policies that address the disproportionate impact of pollution and climate disasters on low-income and communities of color, too.
He has emphasized the importance of making the environmental movement more inclusive and representative of the diverse communities affected by environmental issues.
Amplifying Latino Voices for a Sustainable Future
These Latino changemakers, along with countless others, are at the forefront of the fight against climate change. Why? To ensure that the voices and perspectives of Latino communities are heard and represented in environmental policy decisions. Their leadership is crucial in shaping an equitable and sustainable future for all.
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This article was written with the assistance of AI.
