Latino and Hispanic people have played a significant role in struggles for racial, economic, and climate justice. In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, our Senior Policy Analyst for Climate Justice, Catalina Gonzalez, reached out to several Latino advocates and organizers working on the frontlines of climate justice campaigns. The first post in this series, a reflection on the history of Hispanics and Latinos in social movements, can be found here. Today, we are sharing a response from Jenny Hernandez of GreenLatinos.
Jenny Hernandez
Latino Climate Justice Framework Program Manager, GreenLatinos
What does your heritage mean to you? What are you reflecting on this month, and how do you observe/celebrate?
For a long time, I struggled with my heritage as a Mexican American, feeling the need to assimilate into whiteness. Attending a predominantly white university was the first time I experienced my brownness being weaponized against me, making me understand why my parents worked hard to assimilate. This feeling of not belonging followed me into the environmental sector. However, joining GreenLatinos (GL) changed everything.
GL became a place where I finally found the words to describe my experiences — like having to code-switch for most of my life. It was here that I embraced my heritage and allowed myself to love all the parts of me that had been used against me in the past. I came back home to my roots, and it was both healing and empowering.
What is an issue affecting the Hispanic/Latino community that you work on?
This Hispanic Heritage Month, I’ve been reflecting on my childhood summers spent in Mexico and how different life was there. I love the song “Lero Lero” by El Kalvo, Hi-Kymon, and La Muchacha. It captures the essence of growing up in Mexico, and it brings back fond memories of the freedom to just be yourself. I celebrate by reconnecting with my heritage — whether it’s through the food I love or simply allowing myself to embrace that same childlike sense of freedom.
Addressing the issues that matter most to our communities
At GL, my role is to turn the issues facing the Hispanic/Latino community into actionable solutions within the Latino Climate Justice Framework (LCJF). Some key issues we are addressing in the 2025–2028 update include:
- Energy Justice: Our communities bear the brunt of fossil fuel pollution and energy insecurity, often living near polluting infrastructure and facing higher energy costs.
- Climate Resilience and Adaptation: Latino/a/e communities are more vulnerable to climate impacts such as urban heat islands, floods, and wildfires.
- Water Justice: Ensuring equitable access to clean, healthy, and affordable water while addressing water infrastructure disparities.
- Environmental Conservation: Our communities have disproportionately low access to parks and green spaces, affecting health and quality of life.
These issues aren’t the only ones, and I encourage everyone to check out the updated LCJF 2025–2028 to learn more about other issues and the comprehensive approach to addressing them.
How to be an ally: A call to action
One of the most meaningful ways to support the Hispanic/Latino community is by elevating our voices and standing with us as we push for the policies that matter most. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re calling on everyone to “Usa tu voz & Elige Clima” (Use your voice & choose climate). By endorsing the LCJF framework, you show your support for equitable climate solutions and help ensure that Latino/a/e communities are prioritized in the fight against climate change.
Our community represents 50% of the growth in eligible voters since 2020, making our voice critical in shaping the future of climate policy. This November, make sure our power is heard by making a plan to vote. The stakes have never been higher.
The time is now: Moving forward together
This November’s election is critical for our communities, but our work doesn’t stop there. After the election, we must continue holding the administration accountable. That’s why GL has outlined 11 key priorities that we want passed within the first 100 days of the new administration influenced by the LCJF 2025–2028. These priorities ensure that nuestra comunidad (our community) drives the climate solutions we need for a sustainable future.
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s use this moment to honor our past, celebrate our present, and drive forward the changes we need to secure a better future for our community and the planet.
