Watch: Cheo’s story is our story against the climate crisis

As global temperatures rise, wildfires, heatwaves and droughts are ravaging the western United States. The film “I am Cheo” is a visual reminder of how Latino families are being impacted and the importance of coming together to fight back. 

Produced by our friends at Hispanic Access Foundation, the visually stunning film gives a glimpse into the life of Cheo, a young boy who is experiencing climate change in his everyday life. Cheo travels to his favorite wildlands and watches them now devastated by wildfires, pollution, climate change and disrepair.

The film hits close to home for many families in the West.

Latinos are disproportionately exposed to climate change impacts and pollution. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that Hispanic immigrants in the West are three times more likely to die from heat-related illnesses than other groups.

As a result, Latino communities are coming together to pressure our leaders to take climate action. One way to speak up is to rally for the protection of public lands and waters, which can reduce emissions and help local communities endure climate change impacts—including extreme heat.

We invite you to watch and share the short film and then RSVP for one of the upcoming panel discussions organized by Hispanic Access Foundation.

Arizona 

When: Thursday, Oct. 8, 1-2 PM MST

Panelists: Adrian Angulo, Hispanic Outreach Manager, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership; Joaquin Murrieta, Cultural Ecologist, Watershed Management Group; and Andres Almanza, Director of Outreach Operations/Events, Centro de Adoración Familiar.

RSVP: https://bit.ly/2GALTA0

Pacific Northwest 

When: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 1-2 PM PDT

Panelists: Dr. Tomas Alvarez, Hispanic Ministries Director, Oregon Pacific District Church of the Nazarene; Dr. Joseph Prewitt, Psychologist, American Red Cross; Elena Lopez, Community Engagement Manger, California Wildfire Recovery Program, American Red Cross; Christine Tamara, Partnership Engagement Manager, Hispanic Access Foundation; and Shanna Edberg, Director of Conservation, Hispanic Access Foundation.

RSVP: https://bit.ly/3cRNVYN

Colorado

When: Thursday, Oct. 15, 4-5 PM MDT

Panelists: Beatriz Soto, Defiende Nuestra Tierra Director, Wilderness Workshop; Juan Perez Saez, Energy and Climate Campaign Manager, The Wilderness Society; Angelo Fernandez, Deputy County Manager, Eagle County, CO; and Jessica Godinez, Conservation Programs Associate, Hispanic Access Foundation.

RSVP: https://bit.ly/30AwYxg

California 

When: Thursday, Oct. 15, 11-12 PM PDT

Panelists: Judy Chu, U.S. Representative, California 27th District (Opening Remarks); Nanette Barragan, U.S. Representative California 44th District; Armando Elenes, Secretary Treasurer, United Farmworkers; Gabriel Varela, Outreach Program Manager, Climate Resolve; Jamie Ervin, Fire Restoration Advocate, Sierra Forest Legacy; Gabriel Araya, Pastor, Ministerio Casa de Dios Asamblea de Dios; Michelle Burroughs, Deputy Director, UCR Healthy Communities; Shanna Edberg, Director of Conservation, Hispanic Access Foundation

RSVP: https://bit.ly/2HJvk5A