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Every second Sunday in May, people in the United States celebrate those who gave us life, care for us, and teach us to care. This Mother’s Day can also be an opportunity to recognize those who extend that love and commitment beyond the home, raising their voices for their children’s health and Mother Earth.
In the U.S., Latino children face disproportionate environmental risks that affect their respiratory health. For instance, Puerto Rican children are more than three times as likely to suffer from asthma as non-Hispanic white children, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A study published by the National Institute of Health revealed that air pollution is associated with a higher risk of asthma attacks in young people living in underserved urban areas. For both youth and adults, living near high-traffic areas increases exposure to air pollutants. Added to this is the impact of climate change, which is intensifying heat waves, worsening air quality, and increasing allergen exposure, according to the American Lung Association. These conditions pose a direct threat to children’s health, especially in vulnerable communities.
When maternal love becomes climate action
In this context, Latina mothers like Liz Hurtado and Mary Wagner have chosen to get actively involved in environmental advocacy. Both recognize that their role as mothers is deeply tied to protecting the environment, especially when it comes to ensuring a healthier future for their children.
Hurtado, a mother of four who lives in Simsbury, Connecticut, is a member of the organization EcoMadres. Launched in 2018, this national initiative of Moms Clean Air Force encourages Latino moms to engage in environmental and climate justice. The program focuses on protecting children’s health from air pollution and empowering families to raise their voices in key decision-making processes.
Hurtado believes that Mother’s Day is a powerful reminder of why she fights for clean air. For her, it’s about love, protection, and ensuring that her children grow up in a healthy environment. Her cultural identity has also shaped this perspective: “As a Latina, my culture teaches me to lead with the heart, and that guides how I raise my children and how I approach my work,” she said.
Through EcoMadres, she has found a community that shares this fight and seeks to make the right to breathe clean air a reality for all — especially for communities of color that have historically been marginalized and exposed to higher levels of pollution. According to a study published by the EPA, people of color in the U.S. breathe, on average, more fine particle pollution than white people — regardless of income level or region.
Hurtado’s environmental commitment is reflected in her everyday actions. At home, she prioritizes creating a healthier environment by making conscious choices, like reducing plastic use.
“We know how toxic it is, so we use reusable plastics and avoid single-use whenever possible,” she said. She also talks openly with her children about climate change and pollution, helping them understand the world they are inheriting and empowering them to change it. “I want them to feel heard, to ask questions, and to understand the world they’re inheriting,” she said. “These decisions, both practical and emotional, help protect their health today and empower them to be responsible stewards of the planet in the future.”
Hurtado inspires her children and other Latina mothers
To Hurtado, Latina mothers’ leadership is key in the fight for environmental justice.
“For generations, we’ve had wisdom about how to live in harmony with the land,” she said.
She’s seen how her activism has inspired her children. Her daughter, just nine years old, became an environmental advocate after watching Hurtado participate in community campaigns.
Hurtado had the opportunity to introduce former EPA Administrator Michael Regan at an event unveiling new pollution-reduction regulations. That moment reminded her of the power of community leadership and how it can inspire younger generations to speak up for environmental justice with love and determination.
From her role as a mother and activist, Hurtado encourages other women to get involved. She believes that every voice matters and that expertise isn’t required to begin.
“Getting involved doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It can start with small changes at home, speaking up at a local meeting, or joining groups like EcoMadres,” she said.
Hurtado pointed out that children learn by watching their parents. That’s why taking action protects not only the planet but also the future of the next generation.
Mary Wagner turned concern for her son into climate action
Mary Wagner, a mother of two from Nevada, lives this struggle through a deeply personal lens: Her oldest son has asthma.
It was her concern for his health that led her to learn more about the effects of air pollution and rising extreme temperatures. She discovered that fossil fuel combustion, driven by oil and gas companies, not only fuels the climate crisis but also worsens air quality. What shocked her most was learning that this industry spends millions lobbying against stronger regulations on their industry and shifts toward clean energy, like solar and wind.
“That motivated me to take action,” she said. Now Wagner is the field organizer in Nevada for Moms Clean Air Force.
In July 2024, Wagner and her teenage son had to stay indoors due to smoke from the Post Fire in California, which burned more than 15,000 acres. The experience reinforced her activism: She now monitors air quality daily and cancels activities when the air is unsafe.
For Wagner, Mother’s Day is also a moment to reflect on the role women play in safeguarding their children’s health.
“We want the best for them, and that includes a clean, healthy environment,” she said.
Her environmental commitment has led to lifestyle changes: She now drives an electric car, her family has drastically reduced plastic use, and everyone in her home uses reusable water bottles and bags.
“I also talk to my family, friends, and other moms about these issues so that together we can create change and support laws that protect the environment.”
A maternal network of support
Wagner emphasizes that Latina mothers have a key role as agents of change in their communities. She believes in the power of women’s networks: “We support each other, and when we unite, our voices are strong. We can be leaders in our communities and fight for a more just and healthy environment.”
When it comes to her message for other mothers this Mother’s Day, Wagner is clear: Every small action counts. You don’t need to be a climate or science expert to start taking care of the planet. You just need to start at home and not be afraid to speak out.
“If we unite as mothers, we can make a big impact and leave our children a healthier, safer world,” she said.
Mothers planting environmental justice for future generations
In a country where more than 26 million people — including 4.7 million Latinos — live with asthma, the environmental activism of mothers like Hurtado and Wagner is an urgent response to the challenges their children face.
Their work also reveals a powerful truth: The climate crisis isn’t a distant or abstract issue. It shows up in children’s bodies when they need an inhaler just to run. It’s measured in degrees when heat waves keep them from playing outside. It’s felt in the wallet when medical expenses rise from preventable illnesses.
The mothers agree that fighting for the environment is another way of embracing their maternal role.
“Protecting our Mother Earth is an extension of that love,” Hurtado said.
Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be just about flowers and cards. It can also be an opportunity to plant awareness and commitment. When a mother becomes informed, takes action, and shares her journey, she not only improves her family’s life but also sows seeds of justice and hope in her community.
“Every small action counts. If we unite as mothers, we can make a big impact,” Wagner said.
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