Average global temperature is rising, sea levels are rising, and weather patterns are changing as a result of pollution.2
Some of these pollutants include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.3
People have significantly increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere in the past several decades, well above the normally-occurring level, resulting in an increase in the global average temperature.
Significant sources of greenhouse gas pollution include power plants, cars, trucks, factories, and agriculture.4
What are the impacts of climate change?
Climate change increases the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events and heat waves, magnifies the threat of wildfires, and alters patterns of vector-borne diseases.5
Climate change also lengthens asthma and allergy season, and can make air pollution worse.6
In the United States, climate impacts are already being felt around the country. Recent examples include extreme weather events like heat waves across the nation, drought in the Southwest and New England, historic flooding in Montana, and intense wildfires on the West Coast.7, 8, 9
Why should Latinos care?
Hispanic children are 40% more likely to die from asthma than non-Hispanic white children.10 As climate change worsens air quality, Hispanic and Latino families and communities will be disproportionately impacted.
50% of Hispanics in the US live in 4 states already experiencing serious negative effects linked to climate change: California, Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico.11
71% of Hispanic adults say climate change is affecting their community.12
About 8 out of 10 Hispanics say addressing global climate change is either a top concern or one of several important concerns to them personally.13 Safeguarding the planet for future generations is a cherished value in Latino culture.
According to the National Center for Farmworker Health, 83% of agricultural workers self-identify as Hispanic.14 Latinos are disproportionately represented in the outdoor workforce. Outdoor workers are highly vulnerable to extreme heat and heat-related illnesses.
What can we do?
- JOIN our efforts to educate, engage and empower members of your community to take action.
- HOST a “cafecito” with your family and friends to help them learn more about air pollution and clmate change in your community.
- REDUCE your carbon footprint by carpooling, insulating windows and doors in your home, recycling, and encouraging your community to do the same.
- CONTACT local, state, and federal officials asking them to take bold leadership to address climate change. Sign a petition to take action.
A note on language: Though there is strong overlap between the terms “Latino” and “Hispanic,” they are not exactly the same, and the way that Latino and Hispanic individuals describe themselves is not universal or static. Here, the term “Hispanic” is used when citing specific research that uses this term. “Latino” is used in all other circumstances.