The connection that we have as Latinos to mother earth has imbedded itself into our culture as a way of life. Traditions like hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, herb gathering, farming and ranching have created a spiritual bond between Latinos and our outdoor heritage. We’ve also always been very aware of how finite resources are, especially when economic barriers are at play, so to reduce, recycle and reuse has always been a cultural norm amongst Latinos. Despite these natural alignments to the conservation movement, Latinos have also been in the front lines of environmental impacts. The Southwest is already experiencing impacts of climate change, affecting the lives and economies of 56 million people – a population that is expected to increase 68% by 2050, to 94 million. Increased heat, drought, and insect outbreaks, all linked to climate change, have increased wildfires. Declining water supplies, reduced agricultural yields, health impacts in cities due to heat, and flooding and erosion in coastal areas are additional concerns. This forum will showcase that the Latino community understands that climate change and air pollution is having profound effects on our economy, our health, and our future. Already, Latino business leaders, policy makers, health professional, elected officials and citizens across the nation are working to address our most pressing challenges: the quality of our air, the security of our water and the protection of our lands. (Session curated by Conservation Colorado.)