Photo credit: Fred Murphy Photography

Global warming is happening and it’s happening fast, according to a new report by a collection of the world’s leading climate experts. As President Joe Biden works with Congress to urgently tackle climate change, Pulso and dozens of likeminded Latino-led organizations are stepping in to help make a difference.

Pulso, along with 71 other advocacy organizations, wrote a letter this month to the nation’s lawmakers pressing them to take action.

“Climate action and justice cannot be sacrificed at this pivotal time,” the organizations said in a joint letter to Congress. “This moment offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in a clean, resilient energy future that transitions us away from polluting fossil fuels while addressing past injustices and advancing equity.”

Two pieces of legislation, the infrastructure and budget bills, are currently making their way through Congress. The bills aim to prioritize economic and social needs, along with addressing the climate crisis. Both chambers need to approve the bills before Biden can sign them. 

In their letter, the nonprofits reminded lawmakers why Latino communities are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Geography, types of work, overexposure to pollution, and vulnerability to natural disasters all make Latinos highly susceptible to climate impact, the group said.

Those factors are also connected to and may even worsen existing economic and health disparities, the nonprofits added. “Therefore, we urge you to support historic levels of investment that will safeguard our environment and livelihoods.”

Over 100,000 marched in Vancouver in solidarity with the youth of the world in the September 27 Climate Strike.

Specifically, the organizations urge Congress to:

  • Invest with justice.
  • Expand clean, renewable energy and modernize the nation’s electric grid in an equitable manner.
  • Electrify transportation and expand public transit.
  • Expand clean water infrastructure for all communities.
  • Address pollution from abandoned oil and gas wells and remediate environmental hazards.
  • Protect and expand essential services and infrastructure needed to safeguard vulnerable communities.
  • Provide oversight to ensure the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s policies do not perpetuate inequity.
  • Protect the workers most vulnerable to extreme heat.
  • Prioritize nature-based solutions to address infrastructure needs and resilience.

Pulso also wants Latinos everywhere to take action on climate change.

“We feel a responsibility to ensure our voices are heard and that this pivotal opportunity is not missed. We invite you to join us in calling on decision-makers to respond to our climate crisis today. The time to act on climate is now. Our communities and future generations cannot wait.”

Photo credit: Piqsels

Author

Frank Morris Lopez (he/him/his) is the Arizona lead digital organizer and content creator for Pulso. He is an award-winning multimedia journalist, having worked for media outlets in the Phoenix and Boston areas. He was born and raised in Glendale, AZ, and lived in Cambridge, MA from 2011 to 2018 before returning to the Phoenix area. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ, and a master’s in social justice and human rights from Arizona State University.