Thais Lopez Vogel, A Latina Leading A Climate Change Revolution

1. Share with us your background, your roots.

I’m a mother of 6, wife and a native of Caracas, Venezuela. I was lucky enough to grow up in a free Venezuela, with many possibilities; a time when emigrating was not in anyone’s mind. I graduated as a lawyer from the Andrés Bello Catholic University and I practiced my career working for an oil company, paradoxically; PDVSA, the Venezuelan oil company. I’m now 50 years old and have been living in Florida for the past 26 years. Currently I am managing VoLo Foundation.

2. Who or what has been your inspira- tion for starting this organization?

First and foremost my kids, a growing concern for the future of our children, whom are always present regardless of their age. When we established VoLo, the expectation was to help those in need; in terms of health and education, but after analyzing the scientific data related to climate we realized that the greatest threat to the well-being of future generations is the climate crisis.

3. Why is VoLo Foundation so special and important?

VoLo will be my legacy for my successors I want to be part of the solution. Because it is crucial all generations learn and understand that the environment has a direct influence on those things most people consider important; it affects agriculture, therefore food, health, economy, migration and education. All those aspects are negatively altered as a result of climate change in a form of domino effect.

4. What have been some of the top chal- lenges you’ve faced during your career?

The most difficult thing has definitely been attempting to change behavior patterns, trying to modify the way of thinking of how we have lived so far. Those who are aware need to help others reflect on climate matters, since it is about reshaping the basics with which we have grown up. That’s why I think an environmental education should begin at home, and ought to continue in schools, so that in the same way it becomes a natural, automatic action.

5. What role do you see Latinx playing in the future of climate change?

Latinos are taught to fight for what we want from a young age. “We are warriors by nature”, I feel confident the Latinx community will adapt and unite to face the challenges a changing climate imposes…

6. What are you working on right now and what are some dreams you’re still looking forward to achieving?

Right now our organization is growing and expanding, reaching more communities, implementing new strategies to educate the public locally and worldwide. With the elections coming up, we are also encouraging Latinos to go out and vote for a better planet.

Dreams? many! It is never too late to have a new dream or a new goal, I have many yet to fulfill, but I will not share them so that they can actually come true.

7. What message would you give to the Hispanic com- munity about climate change?

We need to be more proactive on the subject. It is no longer a remote possibility; it is something that is happening right now, it is a reality hidden in plain sight, and low income communities are more affected by the climate crisis.

“There is no future without environmental education” and lately the Covid crisis has clearly shown us that we do have the capacity for adaptation and change, “When we align our love and compassion with scientific data and facts, we can create, develop and implement systems and processes to solve major global challenges”... United we are stronger.

8. How could they get more involved and why should they care as a community?

There are many ways to be part of the solution, and it is quite simple. We have to start by learning more about climate change and pass on that information. Our website volofoundation.org is a very active page and it’s constantly being updated with our own research; you can visit us there to learn and understand more about this subject.

We can also help by limiting the consumption of red meat as well as the use of fossil fuels; replacing it with renewable and cleaner energy sources. In addition, exercise our rights as consumers putting an end to the purchase of products contributing to pollution. Being aware of our shopping habits is great way to support, since food waste is another source of greenhouse gases - apart from being a waste of money. If we choose locally grown products, carbon savings will be gen- erated, because we would be avoiding the transportation of products from or to distant places.

Lastly, something very important, use your voice supporting candidates who favor climate solutions.