Women’s Month: When Energy Affordability Becomes a Matter of Survival

by: Brigith González, , Poderosas Fellow

In recognition of Women’s Month, Brigith González, a Poderosas Fellow, shares her perspective on the intersection of climate change, energy affordability, and the everyday realities faced by women in Latino and immigrant communities. From managing household budgets to protecting their families’ health, women are often on the frontlines of climate impacts. In this reflection, she highlights how rising energy costs and environmental challenges affect women, and why empowering women as leaders is essential to building a more just and sustainable future.

“In my community, climate change is a daily reality. Many immigrant and Latina women already balance multiple responsibilities: caregiving, working long hours, and stretching limited incomes to support their families. When extreme heat increases energy bills or food prices rise due to environmental disruptions, women are often the ones making impossible decisions about what to prioritize. Energy affordability becomes a question of survival, especially in households where income is unstable.

Environmental justice is also deeply personal. Communities of color are more likely to live near highways, industrial zones, or in housing with poor insulation, making them more vulnerable to pollution and climate-related health risks. Women, especially mothers, carry the emotional and physical weight of protecting their families in these conditions.

Yet despite these challenges, women in my community are leaders. They organize, advocate, conserve resources, and educate the next generation. Addressing climate change must include investing in women, not just as those impacted, but as decision-makers shaping a more just and sustainable future.”

This Women’s Month, we celebrate the leadership of women like Brigith González and many other Poderosas who are already organizing, advocating, and caring for their communities. At Poder Latinx, we encourage everyone to stay engaged: learn about the issues affecting your community, speak up for policies that make energy affordable, and participate in the civic process. When our communities get involved, we build the power needed to create lasting change!