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Inclusiv invites you to join us for our 2024 Juntos Avanzamos Hispanic Heritage Month Closing Webinar, Empowering Hispanic Communities: The Role of Credit Unions in Combating Climate Change.
Latino communities are among the most impacted and engaged in both the climate crisis and the movement for climate action. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 81% of Latinos consider addressing climate change a top priority, with seven out of ten stating that it directly affects their neighborhoods. This concern is not just theoretical—Latinos across the United States are disproportionately affected by climate-related challenges such as extreme heat and weather disasters. More than half (56%) of Latinos live in regions that have recently experienced severe weather events, and many face an energy burden 24% higher than white households.
In response, there is a growing recognition of the need to address these challenges through local, accessible solutions. Green home improvement projects—such as upgrading insulation, installing energy-efficient appliances, or adopting solar power—can help reduce energy costs, improve living conditions, and make homes more resilient to climate extremes, however, financing these improvements can be difficult for many low- and moderate-income Latino households. This is where credit unions, especially those designated as Juntos Avanzamos institutions, can make a significant impact, offering affordable, tailored green lending programs.
This webinar will explore how credit unions serving Latino communities can lead the way in supporting climate resilience through green lending initiatives. One shining example is MariSol Federal Credit Union (FCU), which has developed innovative green loan products to help members weatherize homes and adopt energy-efficient solutions. Based in Phoenix, AZ, MariSol serves a predominantly Hispanic membership and has pioneered energy efficiency loans, with 85% of these loans going toward the purchase and installation of efficient air conditioners, vital for surviving high summer temperatures.
During this session, we will also discuss how credit unions across the country can take advantage of grant funding opportunities through the Inclusiv Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) program. With $1.87 billion in available grants, credit unions have the chance to launch or expand green lending programs, benefiting up to 400 institutions over the next six years.
Join us to learn more about how credit unions can not only assist Latino communities in reducing their energy costs but also make a meaningful contribution to addressing the climate crisis. |
