Climate & Its Effect On DC Latino Communities

In Aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma
Topic at first-ever Naturally Latinos Conference in DMV this Wednesday!

For more information, contact [email protected] or call 301-652-9188 x 23

Chevy Chase, MD – The Audubon Naturalist Society will hold its first Naturally Latinos Conference Wednesday, September 13, 2017. The all-day event will introduce and share the insights of Latino nature-lovers, experts, and advocates in the DC region, while creating and strengthening partnerships in behalf of environmental protection, which, in the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey & Irma, and other natural disasters, is as important as ever.

Isha M. Renta, a meteorologist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) in the Baltimore/Washington Forecast Office, located in Sterling, Va., will lead a breakout session on how Latino communities are dealing with the effects of climate change. Through her work at NWS, she helps increase outreach to the Hispanic community. She’s also established a networking and mentoring group that helps increase the awareness of opportunities to Latinos in the atmospheric sciences (previously known as PR-Atmos, now called “Puerto Ricans in the Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology”). Renta has a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, a Master’s in Atmospheric Sciences from Howard University, and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in the same field.

Another conference presenter will be Ramón Palencia-Calvo, Director of Chispa Maryland (the Latino Outreach Program of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters Education Fund). Chispa’s Environmental Justice and Action Promotores provide training for how to do grassroots organizing within Latino communities to fight climate change, move pro-environment policies and practices, while building relationships of respect and dignity with members of the community. Since the graduation of the most recent class, leaders have worked to bring environmental issues, education and activism to fellow Latinos and people of color in schools, churches, community centers, and parks. They can be found around Prince George’s County educating the public about improving water quality within our watershed through proper management of waste and recycling practices. Most recently, they’ve campaigned for “CleanRide4kids” which seeks to improve the air quality of our region by providing schools with zero-emission buses.

Renta and Palencia-Calvo will join other conference speakers from government, community, non-profit, and educational organizations. There will also be a nature tour of the Woodend Sanctuary, a job fair and panel discussions.

The event is now filled to capacity with participants, so only media outlets are able to register.

Date: Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Location:
Audubon Naturalist Society
Woodend Sanctuary
8940 Jones Mill Road
Chevy Chase, MD 20815

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About ANS: ANS is the oldest, independent environmental organization in the DMV. Throughout its history, ANS has played a pivotal role in conserving our region’s iconic natural places from development including the C&O Canal, Dyke Marsh and, most recently , Ten Mile Creek. Past ANS member and board president, Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring, is credited with launching the now global environmental movement. ANS’s nature experts provide hundreds of opportunities each year for children and adults to enjoy, learn about, and protect the environment.

Learn more about ANS here: www.anshome.orgwww.Facebook.com/Audubon Naturalist SocietyNaturalistSociety, and www.Twitter.com/ANStweets