Empowering Voices: How Two Latina Moms Are Leading the Fight for Climate Justice

Every second Sunday in May, the U.S. celebrates Mother’s Day. It’s a time to honor those who care for us, guiding us with love. This day can also highlight mothers who advocate for both their children’s health and the planet.

In the U.S., Latino children face significant environmental challenges. For example, Puerto Rican children are more than three times more likely to suffer from asthma than their white peers. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, air pollution heightens asthma attacks, particularly in underserved urban areas. Moreover, climate change intensifies heat waves and worsens air quality, putting children’s health at risk, especially in vulnerable communities.

The Intersection of Motherhood and Advocacy

Latina mothers like Liz Hurtado and Mary Wagner have taken on environmental advocacy. They see their role as mothers intertwined with the responsibility of protecting the environment for their children’s future.

Liz Hurtado, a mother of four from Connecticut, is part of EcoMadres, a program that empowers Latino mothers to fight for climate justice. For Hurtado, Mother’s Day is a reminder of why she advocates for clean air. “It’s about love and ensuring a healthy environment for our children,” she explains. Her cultural background motivates this commitment: “As a Latina, I lead with my heart in everything I do.”

Through EcoMadres, Hurtado connects with others who share her mission, particularly in communities of color that face higher pollution levels. A recent EPA study shows that people of color experience more fine particle pollution than white individuals, regardless of their income. Hurtado aims to change this, making choices like reducing plastic in her home and teaching her children about climate change.

Inspiring Future Generations

Hurtado believes Latina mothers play a crucial role in the push for environmental justice. “We have wisdom about living in harmony with the land,” she asserts. Her activism has sparked passion in her children, with her nine-year-old daughter becoming involved in environmental campaigns after observing her mother.

Mary Wagner, a mother of two from Nevada, is driven by a personal connection to air quality issues; her oldest son has asthma. Her journey began with concern for his health, leading her to understand the harmful effects of pollution and the lobbying tactics of oil and gas companies. These companies, as reported, spend millions to oppose clean energy regulations, exacerbating air quality issues.

Wagner now works as a field organizer for Moms Clean Air Force. She monitors air quality daily and adapts her family’s activities around it. “Every Mother’s Day, I reflect on how vital it is to protect our children’s environment,” she says.

A Community of Change

Wagner emphasizes the importance of community among mothers. “When we unite, our voices are powerful. We can lead our communities towards a healthier environment.” She believes small actions can lead to significant change, and encourages other mothers to engage without feeling overwhelmed. “Every voice matters,” she says.

On this Mother’s Day, both mothers highlight the pressing need for environmental activism. With over 26 million Americans, including 4.7 million Latinos, living with asthma, the fight for cleaner air is urgent and personal. Their stories remind us that the climate crisis is not just a distant issue; it impacts our daily lives and our children’s health.

“Protecting our Mother Earth extends our love as mothers,” Hurtado concludes. This Mother’s Day can serve as a catalyst for awareness and action. By making informed choices and sharing their journeys, mothers like Hurtado and Wagner not only enhance their families’ lives but also inspire justice and hope in their communities.

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EcoMadres,Johani Carolina Ponce