Latin Mothers Fight for Climate Justice » Yale’s Climate Connections

Every second Sunday in the United States, we celebrate those who give us life, take care of us and teach us to take care of us. But the mother of this day can also become aware of those who extend love and commitment beyond the family, adding a voice to the health of the children and the planet. Because protecting Mother Earth is also to protect our own children.

In the United States, Latin children face disproportionate environmental risks that affect their respiratory health. For example, Puerto Rican children have triple-more probability of having asthma than non-Hispanic white children, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. uu.

A study published by the National Health Institute shows that air pollution is associated with a higher risk of asthma attacks in young people living in adverse urban areas. For young people and adults, living near areas with high vehicle traffic can increase exposure to air pollutants. This increases the impact of climate change, which is exacerbating heat waves, deteriorating air quality and increasing exposure to allergens, according to the American Lung Association. These conditions are a direct threat to children’s health, especially in vulnerable communities.

When maternal love becomes climate action

In this case, the Latin mother is Liz Hurtado y Mary Wagner decided to actively participate in environmental defense. Both parties recognize that their role as mothers is closely related to the protection of the environment, especially when ensuring a healthy future for children.

Liz Hurtado is a mother of four who lives in Simsbury, Connecticut, and is a member of the Ecomadres organization. Running in 2018, Ecomadres is a national mom cleaning air force initiative that promotes Latin communities’ participation in the defense of environmental and climate justice. The program is committed to protecting children’s health from air pollution and empowering families to increase voice in key decisions.

Hurtado believes Mother's Ave is a powerful reminder of why we should fight for clean air. For her, it’s about loving, protecting and ensuring her children grow up in a healthy environment. His cultural identity also shapes this vision: “As a Latino, my culture teaches me to lead with my own inner self, which guides me to raise children as a way to work,” he said.

Through Ecomadres, it finds a community that shares this battle and seeks the right to breathe clean air is a reality for all, especially for communities of color that have historically been marginalized and exposed to higher levels of pollution. According to a study published by the EPA in the United States, people who belong to minorities, are more polluted by details on average, and this conclusion remains the country's various incomes and regions.

Hertado's environmental commitment translates into daily action. In his home, he prioritizes creating healthier environments and making conscious decisions such as reducing the use of plastic. “We know it is toxic, so we use reusable plastic and avoid it whenever possible,” he said. Additionally, he had an open conversation with children about climate change and pollution, looking for them to understand the world they are inheriting and feel able to change it. “I want you to feel heard, ask questions and understand the world they inherited,” Hertado explained. “These decisions, whether practical or emotional, help protect their health today and make them the guardians responsible for the planet in the future.”

Hurtado inspired his children and other Latin mothers

For Hurtado, the leadership of the Latin mother was key to the struggle for environmental justice. “We have given generations with wisdom to how to live in harmony with the earth,” he explained. Based on his personal experience, he witnessed how his activism inspired his children. His daughter has only 9 years old and has become a defender of the environment after seeing her participate in community movements.

Hurtado had the opportunity to propose former EPA administrator Michael Regan in a regulation to reduce pollution. That moment reminded him of the power of community leadership and how he inspired the younger generation to raise their voices and defend environmental justice with determination and love.

Hurtado invites other women to participate from his role as a mother and activist. He firmly believes that our voice is important and you don’t need to be an expert to start. “Entertainment doesn't have to be overwhelming. You can start with small changes in your home, raise your voice in local meetings or join groups like Ecomadres.” Hertado said children learn by observing their parents' role models and they will inherit them from their world. Therefore, when taking action, not only protects the planets, but also is subject to the future of a new generation.

Mary Wagner turns her son's attention into climate action

Mary Wagner, a mother of two, a Nevada resident, lives from an intimate and concrete experience: his eldest son had asthma. It is precisely because of his concern for his son’s health that he began to tell himself about the effects of air pollution and the increase in high temperatures. He learned that fossil fuels promoted by gas and oil companies can not only meet the climate crisis, but also worsen air quality. To his most surprise, he found that these same companies spent millions of dollars on lobbying to avoid stricter regulations and spread false information about renewable energy. “It prompted me to act,” he admitted. Wagner is now the live organizer of Nevada Mom Clean Air Force.

In July 2024, Wagner and his asthma son had to stay home in a California blast fire, blowing up 15,000 acres. This experience reinforces its activism: monitor the air daily and cancel activities to protect your child’s health.

For Wagner, Mother's Day is also a time for women to play a role in protecting their children's health. “We want them the best, which includes a clean and healthy atmosphere,” he said. Its environmental commitment has led to lifestyle changes: Now it has electric cars, its homes have greatly reduced the use of plastic, and all have used water bottles and reusable bags. “In addition, I talk about these issues with family, friends and other mothers so that we can make changes and can support laws that protect the environment.”

Maternity support network

Wagner notes that Latin mothers are the fundamental role of change agents in their communities. Believe in the power of networking among women: “We support each other and when we join, our voice is strong. We can be leaders in our communities and fight for a more equitable and healthier environment.”

As for his message to other mothers this Mother's Day, Wagner is very clear: every little move is important. Don't have to be a climate or a science expert to start taking care of the planet. Just start at home and don't be afraid to talk about this topic. “If we join as mothers, we can make a huge impact and make our children a healthier and safer world.”

Sowing a new generation of mothers in environmental justice

In a country where more than 26 million people (including 4.7 million Latinos) live in asthma, the environmental activities of mothers such as Hertado and Wagner are an urgent response to the environment in which their children live.

The work of these mothers also reveals a powerful fact that the climate crisis is not a distant or abstract problem. When children have to use an inhaler to run, it manifests itself in their bodies. When heat waves prevent playback outside, it measures in degree. It shows in your pocket due to preventable illness when medical expenses increase.

Both mothers agree that acting for the environment is another way to perform a maternal role. As Hertado said, “Protecting our mothers is an extension of this love.”

Mother's Day should not only be held with flowers or cards. This may also be an opportunity to sow awareness and commitment. Hurtado and Wagner’s story shows that when mothers are told, behave and share, not only can improve their family’s lives, but also can sow the seeds of justice and hope in their communities. “Every little move is important. If we join as mothers, we can make a big impact.”