GreenLatinos is committed to direct engagement with communities, advocates, and policymakers in order to advocate for more efficient, equitable, environmentally sustainable places to live, work, play, and learn.  We work to  build momentum for creating equitable policy that addresses and makes reparations for  barriers faced by Latino/a/x and other marginalized and underserved communities, both historically and in the present day.

 

By advancing equitable innovation and policy to support environmental and economic sustainability, advance transportation and energy equity, and improve  accessibility and affordability, we can change the face and functionality of urban, suburban, and rural communities , and improve the lives of people across the US.    

 

Clean transportation and energy infrastructure connects directly to clean air and water, and to the urgent fight to combat climate change. About 30 percent of the nation’s carbon pollution comes from transportation. Latino/a/x communities are disproportionately impacted by air pollution and public health issues like asthma, which come from lower air quality. Latino/a/x neighborhoods have low per capita energy emissions, at only 60% the rate of white neighborhoods, and yet Latinos/as/x are more likely to experience “energy poverty” – defined as inadequate access to energy.

 

Sustainable communities  at GreenLatinos addresses the spectrum within this field, from advocating for increasing  equity in transportation planning to supporting new clean  infrastructure investments. GreenLatinos’ work supports the capacity of Latino/a/x communities to thrive; improving health outcomes by reducing pollution exposure, and increasing capacity for physical, social, and economic mobility by improving accessibility and access to diverse transportation modes and affordable, clean energy.