This April 22nd, communities worldwide will unite to celebrate Earth Day. This year, EARTHDAY.ORG is intensifying efforts to combat plastic pollution with a bold initiative to reduce all plastic production by 60% by the year 2040, “for the sake of human and planetary health”.
Reflecting on the Hispanic and Latinx tech community, it's clear that our ancestral ties to the land are profound. Our roots trace back to Indigenous populations throughout the Americas, renowned for their spiritual connection to the earth and principles of living in harmony with nature.
While the relationship we share with our planet has also been molded by historical forces such as imperialism, colonization, and migration, our enduring bond with the land continues to influence our approach to environmental issues and to shape our attitudes toward the Earth.
In the U.S., Hispanic and Latinx communities are disproportionately impacted by environmental injustices like air pollution, toxic waste, lack of green spaces and healthy food options. As technologists, we have the unique opportunity to uplift traditional ecological knowledge and couple it with modern science and clean technology.
Protecting our planet requires a deep dive into our history and a vision for a better future. Earth Day serves as a pivotal moment for education, activism, and a reconnection with our core values surrounding sustainability.
Learn more about Earth Day 2024 and find events near you:
Did you know there are two Hispanic/Latinx serving on the board of the Earth Day Organization?
Board Chair Geraldo Torres, "a Professor of Environmental Justice at the Yale School of the Environment, is a member of both the Council on Foreign Relations and the American Law Institute. In 2004, he received the Legal Service Award from the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) for advancing the legal rights of Latinos. He has also served as a visiting professor at Harvard and Stanford Law Schools."
President Lydia Camarillo "has significantly impacted Latino voter engagement through her 20-year tenure with the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project (SVREP). Under her leadership, Latino registration numbers surged from 5.4 million in 1994 to 15.5 million in 2016, with voter turnout increasing correspondingly."