Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. It is also an opportunity to recognize the invaluable leadership of individuals making a positive impact on our environment and climate. As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s spotlight some specific Hispanic climate leaders dedicated to preserving our planet for future generations.
Mark Magaña serves as the founding president and CEO of GreenLatinos, a national network that brings together Latino environmental and conservation advocates. Magaña leads a community of Latino environmental champions, highlighting the cultural connections, shared resources, and collective power that can drive environmental justice and liberation. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of climate change and systemic social, health, and economic injustices.
Xiuhtezcatl Martinez is a prominent advocate for environmental justice and youth activism. As the youth director of Earth Guardians, Martinez has been at the forefront of the fight against climate change, mobilizing young people to act and demanding environmental policy changes.
Adrianna Quintero serves as the vice president of programs and equity at the US Energy Foundation, focusing on strategic efforts to secure a clean and equitable energy future in the fight against the climate crisis. As a key member of the Biden-Harris Transition Team for the US Department of Energy, she evaluated environmental and energy justice structures and policies; previously as senior attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Quintero founded Voces Verdes, a national coalition advocating for clean energy and climate action.
Vanessa Hauc, an Emmy award-winning journalist and environmental activist, has been a vocal advocate for climate action. Through her reporting and advocacy work, Hauc has raised awareness about ecological challenges facing Latino communities and has been a powerful voice for sustainable and equitable solutions.
Xiye Bastida, a 21-year-old Mexican American climate justice activist and indigenous rights advocate, champions indigenous wisdom and principles as solutions to the climate crisis. She gained prominence as an organizer with Fridays For Future and is the co-founder and executive director of the Re-Earth Initiative, an international youth-led organization supporting frontline youth across twenty-seven countries.
These are just a few examples of the many Hispanic climate leaders making a difference in the fight against climate change and environmental injustice. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s recognize and uplift the contributions of these individuals and continue to support their efforts in creating a more sustainable and equitable world for all.
