Within the framework of International Day of Climate Actionthe environmental organization Sachamamain alliance with the EFE Agencypresented the eighth edition of the list of The 100 Latinos Most Committed to Climate Action 2026a recognition of those who are transforming concern for the planet into concrete actions, including three Puerto Ricans.
Munguía is a researcher and environmentalist specialized in the conservation of marine diversity and birds. Additionally, she is in charge of avian conservation programs in the Miami ZooFlorida. His work is focused on wildlife management and promoting sustainability in the Caribbean.
Meanwhile, Varela Vélez is an activist and environmental leader who, through Surfrider Foundation Puerto Ricohas managed to protect the coasts, denounce maritime pollution and raise citizen awareness in the northeast of the island.
For his part, Espinoza is a leader and pioneer in the implementation of projects for the removal of abandoned fishing gear, in addition to electronic monitoring of the coast with fishing communities and in the protection of coral reefs, through the organization Conservation Consciousness.
Among the people recognized in this edition, there is also Claudia Sheinbaumpresident of Mexico; Teresa RiberaExecutive Vice President for a Clean, Fair and Competitive Transition of the European Commission; Gloria Estefanartist and promoter of climate education; and Manuel Pulgar VidalGlobal Climate and Energy Leader at the World Wildlife Fund.
“The relevance of this list is consolidated both by its opportunity and by the diversity of profiles that make it up.”. Reaching this eighth edition demonstrates that the initiative has ceased to be a one-time action to become a consolidated reference in the field of global sustainability,” he said, in a press release, José Luis Fernández-Checa Roydirector of EFEVerde. “In the face of information fatigue and paralyzing eco-anxiety, these types of initiatives change the focus: they go from catastrophism to recognition of leadership and action in the Latin American sphere.”
This year, the initiative took an important step to expand community representation: it opened 20 places for public nominations, allowing anyone to nominate environmental leaders or present their own candidacy.
The applications, received from September 2 to 10, were added to the proposals of more than 30 organizations. After a voting stage for the public’s nominations, the selected candidates advanced to the evaluation of an international jury.
“Each edition of The 100 Latinos Most Committed to Climate Action allows us to celebrate the diversity and scope of Latin American leadership. This year, the 20 community nominations allowed us to broaden that view and discover new voices. We are proud to recognize those who make up this edition and continue strengthening an initiative that inspires and mobilizes climate action throughout Latin America,” he said, meanwhile, Carlos Zegarraexecutive director of Sachamama.
The jury was made up of Andrea Obaid Carriónscience journalist and director of Neurona Group; Gonzalo Muñoz Lawyerco-founder of Ambition Loop and COP25 High-Level Climate Action Champion; Jorge Neri Bonillaeditor and chief executive officer of Cambio16; Gustavo Manrique Mirandaco-founder of Premios Verdes and former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Environment of Ecuador; Ati Viviam Villafañapolitical scientist and youth defender of the Arhuaco people; José Luis Fernández-Checa Roydirector of EFEVerde; and Paula Caballeroregional director for Latin America of The Nature Conservancy.
The complete list of winners can be found at this link.