Two Latino moms standing in climate justice »Yale Climate Connection

Every second Sunday in May, people in the United States celebrate those who give us life, take care of us and teach us to take care of us. This Mother's Day can also be an opportunity to identify those who extend love and commitment beyond the house and to enhance voice for the health of the child and Mother Earth.

In the United States, Latino children face disproportionate environmental risks that affect their respiratory health. For example, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for example, children in Puerto Rico are more than three times more likely to develop asthma than non-Hispanic white children. A study published by the National Institutes of Health shows that air pollution is associated with a higher risk of asthma attacks in young people living in underserved urban areas. For young people and adults, living near high flow areas increases exposure to air pollutants. According to the American Association of Pulmonary and Lung, there are also the effects of climate change, which is exacerbating heat waves, deteriorating air quality and increasing allergen exposure. These conditions pose a direct threat to the health of children, especially in vulnerable communities.

When maternal love becomes climate action

In this case, Latino mothers like Liz Hurtado and Mary Wagner chose to actively participate in environmental advocacy. Both parties recognize that their role as mothers has a profound connection to protecting the environment, especially when ensuring a healthy future for children.

Hurtado, a mother of four, lives in Simsbury, Connecticut, and is a member of the organization Ecomadres. This national initiative of Mom Clean Air Force was launched in 2018 to encourage Latino mothers to participate in environmental and climate justice. The program focuses on protecting children’s health from air pollution and empowering families to increase voice in key decision-making processes.

Hurtado believes Mother's Ave is a powerful reminder of why she is fighting for clean air. For her, it’s about love, protection, and ensuring her children grow up in a healthy environment. Her cultural identity also shapes this view: “As a Latino, my culture teaches me to lead the inner leadership, which guides me how to raise children and how to get close to work,” she said.

Through Ecomadres, she finds a community that shares the struggle and tries to make breathing clean air a reality for all, especially for communities of color historically marginalized and exposed to higher levels of pollution. People of color in the United States, on average, have finer particle pollution than white people, regardless of income level or region, according to a study published by the EPA.

Hertado's environmental commitment is reflected in her daily actions. At home, she determines to create a healthier environment by making conscious choices, such as reducing plastic use.

“We know how toxic it is, so we use reusable plastic and avoid single use as much as possible,” she said. She also talks openly about climate change and pollution with children, helping them understand the world they are inheriting and empowering them to change it. “I hope they feel heard, ask questions, and understand the world they inherited,” she said. “These decisions, both practical and emotional, help protect their health today and make them responsible stewards on the planet in the future.”

Hurtado inspired her children and other Latin mothers

For Hurtado, the leadership of Latino mothers is the key to fighting for environmental justice.

“We have wisdom in how to live in harmony with the land,” she said.

She saw how her activism inspired her children. Her daughter, now nine, became an environmental advocate after watching Hertado participate in a community campaign.

Hurtado had the opportunity to introduce former EPA administrator Michael Regan in an event that revealed new pollution reduction regulations. That moment reminded her of the power of community leadership and how it inspires younger generations to speak out for environmental justice with love and determination.

Hurtado encourages other women to participate in the role of mother and activist. She thinks every voice is important and does not require starting expertise.

“Entermination is not necessarily overwhelming. It can start with small changes at home, speak up at local meetings, or join a group like Ecomadres,” she said.

Hertado points out that children learn by watching their parents. That's why taking action not only protects the planet, but also protects the future of the next generation.

Mary Wagner's focus on her son turns to climate action

Mary Wagner, a mother of two from Nevada, lives this struggle through a deep personal lens: her eldest son suffers from asthma.

It was her focus on his health that led her to further understand the effects of air pollution and the rise in extreme temperatures. She found that combustion of fossil fuels powered by oil and gas companies not only burns the climate crisis, but also deteriorates air quality. What shocked her most was learning that the industry has spent millions of lobbying against stronger regulations on its industry and turning to clean energy such as solar and wind.

“It prompted me to take action,” she said. Wagner is now the live organizer of Nevada Mom Clean Air Force.

In July 2024, Wagner and her teenage son had to stay indoors due to smoking in a California explosion fire, burning 15,000 acres. This experience reinforced her action: She is now monitoring air quality every day and canceling activities when the air is not safe.

For Wagner, Mother’s Day is also a time to reflect on the role women play in protecting their children’s health.

“We want them to be the best, which includes a clean, healthy environment,” she said.

Her environmental commitment has led to lifestyle changes: She is driving now, her family has greatly reduced the use of plastics, while everyone in the family uses reusable water bottles and bags.

“I also talk about these issues with family, friends and other moms so that we can work together to create changes that change the environment and support the law.”

Mother's support network

Wagner stressed that Latino mothers are a key role for the change drivers of their communities. She believes in the power of women’s networks: “We support each other and when we get together, our voice is strong. We can be leaders in our communities and fight for a more just and healthy environment.”

When it comes to information given to other mothers on Mother's Day, Wagner is clear: every little move is important. You don’t need to be a climate or science expert to start taking care of the planet. You just need to start from home and don't be afraid to speak out loud.

“If we unite as mothers, we can make a big impact and make our children a healthier and safer world,” she said.

Mother planting environmental justice for future generations

In a country where more than 26 million people, including 4.7 million Latinos, environmental activism for asthma, the environmental activities of mothers like Hurtado and Wagner are an urgent response to the challenges facing children.

Their work also reveals a powerful fact that the climate crisis is not a distant or abstract problem. It appears in the child's body when he needs to run. When heat waves prevent them from playing outside, its measurements are made in degree. As medical expenses rise from preventable illness, they feel it in your wallet.

Mothers agree that fighting for the environment is another way to embrace the role of mothers.

“Protecting our mothers is an extension of this love,” Hertado said.

Mother's Day is not necessarily related only to flowers and cards. This may also be an opportunity to build awareness and commitment. When the mother learns that she takes action and shares her journey, she not only improves the lives of her family, but also sows the seeds of justice and hope in the community.

“Every little move is important. If we unite as mothers, we can make a big impact.”