Welcome to the first story of the second season of Humber Views, highlighting Game Changers! Today we are introducing you to a group of young activists dedicated to fighting the climate crisis intersectionally, Latinas for Climate. Two of the team members behind the youth-led organization join us to share L4C’s origin story, the realities of how climate change is affecting women in South America and how fear motivates them to keep going. This story includes a written introduction, podcast, and YouTube video focusing on different areas of their work and growth since they started.
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— Carolyn and Claudia
Women and Climate Change
Have you ever wondered what is going on with new weather patterns and why the strangest natural disasters seem to be happening more often? The answer is simple: climate change.
This is a big and scary phrase, and it’s something not everybody understands. Although some may not take an interest in what climate change is and don’t want to hear about it, those same people don’t see how the rise of environmental disasters are especially impacting a specific group of people: women.
But there are people trying to change that.
In this part of the world where in recent political history, women and activists have faced tremendous backlash and danger to their very existence, a group of young women from across South America and the Caribbean came together to create Latinas for Climate (L4C). These women felt called by the urgency of the gender and climate crisis to use social media to kickstart a movement that would become one of the largest female- and youth-led organizations in Latin America.
So Who Are L4C?
📺 Watch our video below to find out.
These women felt called by the urgency of the gender and climate crisis to use social media to kick-start a movement that would become one of the largest female and youth-led organizations in Latin America. Their work lies in the intersection between gender equality and climate action because the environmental crisis isn’t gender-neutral. L4C has been using their social media presence to advocate, protest, and campaign against climate change. The group has used their Instagram page as a hub to share their message and protest. For example, earlier this year, they shared a chant they created earlier this year in Spanish calling out “the fight for Latina America.”
The work of these young Latinas comes at a pivotal time in activism work. Many who work in climate accuse a lot of “activism” put out there today of being performative and unproductive for the movement. But, according to Intersectional Environmentalist team member Diandra Marizet, L4C’s work is an “artistic and effective way to protest”, as it is also based on seeking results and action as they lead an initiative for change to supplement their social media posts for awareness.
Marizet says this is a great example of how advocacy and protests should be done, contrasting it to some of the recent climate protests in Europe which have included foods being thrown onto glass-protected paintings. Along with sharing informative infographics and strategizing ways to get their message out on a global scale, the members of Latinas for Climate creatively use their passion to create change — online and offline.
👂 Listen to the podcast above to learn about the current initiatives and projects L4C is working on.
Related Reading
Leaders Not Victims — This piece by Euronews discusses how women in South America, Asia, and Africa at the front of climate advocacy are demanding funding for their causes. They want to be viewed and treated as leaders, not just victims of climate disasters.
The Key To Climate Action and Peace — UN news explores how opening space for women to fully participate in the climate space and work is crucial to working towards solutions.
Why Women’s Rights Matter in COP27 — Sophie Rigg, a senior climate advisor at Action Aid, pens an op-ed about the gendered impact of environmental disasters and makes a case for why women’s stories matter in decision-making at this world conference.
About Us
Carolyn Burgos Cando
Carolyn is a third-year Humber College Bachelor of Journalism student with a high passion for connecting people to the latest news and ensuring people are receiving the correct information. After graduation, she is hoping to become a public affairs officer to continue her work of giving the appropriate news regarding the Canadian Armed Forces and global news. You can contact her by email (burgoscarolyn@gmail.com) or Instagram.
Claudia Ovejero Pham
Claudia is a third-year Humber College Bachelor of Journalism student that is driven to give representation to communities that need the most. She hopes to continue to create content and stories that are impactful to the audience and give them perspective on the world today. You can contact her by email (claudia.ovejero@icloud.com) or Twitter.
Fighting for Change Despite Repression: Latinas for Climate