The right to breathe in peace
A Congressional discussion on air quality and Latino Communities
In a powerful congressional session held at the U.S. Capitol Hill Visitor's Center, the campaign “El derecho a respirar en paz” ("The Right to Breathe in Peace") brought to light the pressing issues of air quality and climate change affecting Latino communities across the United States. Organized by Erandi Treviño, Co-Founder of Raíces Collaborative and Carolina Peña Alarcon, Co-Founder of Raíces Collaborative and Head of Sustainability at The Round Group, with support from Camila Mendoza, Director of Communications at Sachamama, the event showcased heartfelt testimonies and expert panel discussions that underscored the urgent need for environmental justice.
The session opened with poignant testimonies from individuals of Latino origin, each narrating their personal battles with air pollution. Mayra Hernandez shared her struggles with severe allergies and her children’s asthma, emphasizing that access to clean air and water is a fundamental human right, irrespective of race or socioeconomic status. Rudy Zamora from Las Vegas illustrated the harsh reality faced by many Latino families who often must choose between their health and livelihood, as air pollution exacerbates their daily struggles. Lastly, Erandi Treviño spoke about her personal battle with pollution-related health issues due to the severe levels of air pollution in her home city of Houston, which are worsened by the city's petrochemical industries and expanding international airport. She called on policymakers to listen to the affected communities and take decisive action to ensure everyone has access to clean air.
Supporting these personal stories, a recent Harvard University study revealed that air pollution levels in predominantly Latino zip codes are 14% higher than in predominantly white areas. This disparity contributes to severe health problems, including childhood asthma and premature death, emphasizing a pressing need for targeted interventions. Notably, Latino communities face additional challenges due to social stressors like poverty and discrimination, which further amplify harmful effects on their health.
The discussion continued with a panel featuring Marilyn Zepeda Salazar from the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, Carlos Zegarra of Sachamama, and Ruddy Arredondo from Latino Farmers and Ranchers International. Zegarra emphasized the campaign’s goal of empowering communities to share their own stories and solutions, advocating for a public health approach that supports community-driven initiatives. "We want to tell our stories through trusted voices and to show that we can provide our own solutions," he stated, reinforcing the need for local empowerment.
Ms. Zepeda highlighted federal efforts, such as the National Integrated Heat Health Information System(NIHHIS) and legislative measures like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act, aimed at addressing climate change impacts and ensuring that laws like the Clean Air Act effectively protect vulnerable populations. Mr. Arredondo discussed the broader impacts of climate change, noting the risks of reduced farm productivity due to extreme weather and mentioning innovative but challenged initiatives like developing heat-responsive bracelets for workers.
A poignant moment during the session came when a young audience member named Felipe asked what can youth do to make a difference. The panelists unanimously agreed that participating in discussions, supporting organizations working on climate issues, and advocating for policy changes are crucial steps. Engaging in these activities generates momentum for action and brings about necessary legislative changes.
Panelists highlighted that air pollution impacts not only the directly affected communities but the entire nation. The additional healthcare costs and productivity losses resulting from pollution contribute to broader economic and social challenges, reinforcing the interconnectedness of climate and public health issues. Indeed, there is a need for coordinated efforts across federal, state, and local governments, as well as the private sector, to create effective and equitable solutions to climate change.
Recognizing how air pollution is a critical public health issue, the session called for a proactive response to address the domino effect of pollution on health, economic costs, and climate change. By raising awareness through community-led initiatives like “El derecho a respirar en paz,” we can drive participation, inspire campaigns, and hold policymakers accountable.
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