The whiteness of mainstream environmental movements often fails to account for the history and richness of Latinx environmental cultural and political traditions. By integrating environmental concerns with questions of social, racial, and political justice, we can learn from the vibrant tradition of Latinx decolonial environmentalism, and change our way of thinking, acting, and building a greener, more just planet.
It’s no coincidence that Latinx people and people of color are most impacted by the climate crisis. We’re often not given the same access to adequate healthcare, education, and housing as our counterparts. We need to rise up as a community and assert our rightful space at the table.
According to a recent Yale study, over 70% of Latinx people in the United States are concerned about the environment. Latinx people play an integral part in the environmental movement, and it’s about time our experiences are brought to the forefront.
As we come to the end of Latinx/o/e Heritage Month, we would be remiss not to highlight some of our favorite moments of Planeta G, a show I started with my work BFF Crystal Mojica. On the show, we discussed topics such as climate activism, intersectionality, voting and election suppression, and single-use plastic. Special guests, from popular influencers to Greenpeace Latinx staff, will come on each show to have these crucial conversations and share how you can take action!
Here are our Top Five most Powerful Moments from PlanetaG discussing Latinx Environmentalism!
#1 An episode about the youth climate movement, queerness, and organizing your community
Planeta G Episode 2: “I am the gay cousin” Latinxs, LGBTQ+, and the Youth Climate Movement
On this episode, we are joined by youth climate organizer, Jamie Margolin, founder of Zero Hour, to talk about her experience as a queer woman and environmental activist.
#2 In this episode, we made delicious vegan empanadas and learned about gatekeeping, community, and the meat and dairy industry
Planeta G: How to Make Vegan Empanadas that Will Fool your Latinx Mom
We celebrated World Vegetarian Day by cooking a delicious vegan empanada dish with Destiny DeJesus from Veggie Mijas — a nationwide collective made up of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), passionate about food justice and accessibility.
We also chatted with Greenpeace Mexico Food and Agriculture Campaigner Viridiana Lázaro about how the meat and dairy industries are fueling the climate crisis.
#3 As we are getting closer to the holidays, why not take another peek at how to give sustainable presents this year!
Planeta G: Episode 11 – Sustainable Holiday Gift-Wrapping Hacks
Vegetable glue? Maps? Dried oranges? These are all things you can use to turn your holiday gifts from wasteful to waste-free!
#4: Art! It’s more than a hobby.
Planeta G: Episode 12 – Art as Protest with Favianna Rodriguez
To inspire us in this fight for a world beyond fossil fuels, where workers rights, community health and our shared climate can thrive, we’ll be discussing ART and RESISTANCE with art powerhouse, Favianna Rodriguez.
#5: How you can organize your community, and win.
Planeta G: Episode 13 – How to Win the Fight Against Fossil Fuels
In this episode, we have two inspiring Latinas taking action to defend their communities in L.A.
First, we have Nalleli Cobo, People Not Pozos co-founder and frontline youth activist, who has experienced the effects of California’s oil industry.
And then we hear from California Representative Nanette Barragan to discuss the state of California, and why we need a Green New Deal!
Shortly after we recorded this interview, the City of Los Angeles took a huge step toward committing to phase out oil and gas drilling CITY-WIDE! But the work isn’t over yet! Visit https://www.stand.la/ to learn more about how you can defend this critical progress!
Bonus: the 2020 Election and Latinx Environmentalism
We can’t forget the 2020 election, of course, and the important role of Latinx communities played in the record-setting turnout. We had incredible women on the show in a mini-series called “10 reasons Latinx Should Vote in this Election” with actress and activist Carolina Guerra, model, fashion icon, ARTivist, and founder of Point Off View — Marina Testino, Senior Campaign Director Natalie Carey from the #VoteLikeAMadre campaign, and Mónica Ramírez of She Se Puede.
The Future of Planeta G: Going Deep on Latinx Environmentalism
What can I say, 2021 was a weird year! We are working hard on upcoming Planeta G episodes, with a little twist. This time, instead of going broad, we are going deep. Stay tuned for a deep dive into communities where Latinx communities and activists are fighting climate change and oil extraction. Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit that notification bell so you won’t miss it!
Chaucito!
