Powering Our Future: Climate Justice Through Latina Leadership

By: Andrea Galaz Arévalo, Poderosas Fellow

In my community, climate change, environmental injustice, and energy affordability are not abstract policy conversations. They show up in our homes, in our monthly bills, and in the health of our children. As a Latina, I see how rising temperatures, poor air quality, and stronger storms place added pressure on women who are already carrying so much. Many of us are caregivers, essential workers, and heads of household. When utility bills increase during extreme heat or cold, we are the ones stretching every dollar and making difficult choices to keep our families safe and comfortable.

I have watched neighbors worry about asthma triggered by pollution and struggle to cool apartments that were never built to handle extreme heat. In many Latinx neighborhoods, we face higher exposure to environmental hazards while having fewer resources and less investment in infrastructure. At the same time, Latina women are organizing, supporting one another, and speaking up for change, even when our voices are not always invited into decision-making spaces.

For me, climate justice is deeply personal. It is about ensuring that our families can breathe clean air, afford their energy bills, and live in safe, resilient communities. Real solutions must prioritize affordable clean energy, stronger community infrastructure, and meaningful inclusion of the women who are already leading at the grassroots level. When Latina women are empowered and supported, our entire community thrives.

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