Julián Castro: Proposition 4 will safeguard those hit hardest by climate change

Over the course of these past 10 months, transitioning from public service into philanthropy, I have heard firsthand from California’s Latino families about their hopes and dreams.

Above all, our families share a desire for a prosperous and equitable future. And that means boldly taking up the cause to fight for sustainable outcomes for our children and grandchildren.

Underrepresentation in political and economic systems has made it difficult for our communities to prepare and respond to extreme events caused by climate change. Yet, the power of Latino voters is rising. A 2024 Pew Research report has found that California's 8.5 million eligible Latino voters represent a quarter of eligible Latino voters in the U.S., and nearly 15% of all eligible voters in the country. We must capitalize on our growing voting power this November to ensure different and better outcomes.

Latino farmworkers and rural communities, from the Central Valley to the Coachella Valley, have a lot to gain from the passage of Proposition 4.

Under-resourced communities like these feel the negative impacts of climate change most. According to the American Public Health Association (APHA), communities of color are already more likely to experience poor living conditions. Latinos have a high participation in weather-exposed industries, such as construction and agriculture, which are especially vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat. 

The findings of a 2022 EPA Report revealed that Latinos are 43% more likely to live in areas with the highest projected reductions in labor hours due to increasing temperatures. 

Nearly one million Californians live in communities that lack access to clean drinking water, where families cannot turn on the tap and safely drink or shower. Meanwhile, smoke and extreme heat are creating new health threats, and straining communities that already face heavy pollution burdens. 

Arguably, California’s Latino communities remain one of the most affected populations by climate change’s impacts. That is why, in a recent poll of Latino voters, 66% of Latinos plan to vote yes on this ballot. Community-based organizations like Community Water Center and Alianza Coachella have been pivotal in securing this proposition on the ballot.

Prop 4 would invest in farmworker transportation and housing to ease these climate challenges, as well as invest in clean water infrastructure, and help farmers and ranchers become more resilient against floods, droughts, and extreme heat that are harming our rural economies. These changes would have real positive impacts for the state's residents, farmworkers, and producers. 

Farm laborers are our unsung heroes, and a primary reason why I am so passionate about supporting Proposition 4. California’s farmworkers and farmers are on the front lines, dealing with extreme weather events that are causing billions of dollars in damage and loss. When the Latino community disproportionately suffers, we must elevate our voices, and make public policy reflect our needs.

With this new Climate Bond, we have a unique opportunity to mitigate risks before a major catastrophe, or before their damages become too financially burdensome. We need urgent investments in proven solutions to protect our communities, health, and economy. 

Key areas of investment include:

• $3.8 B in infrastructure projects that will provide more reliable drinking water in communities throughout the state.

• $150 M to improve levees and protect San Joaquin Delta farmland from flooding, in addition to $400 M for broader flood control projects throughout the state.

• $170 million for the Salton Sea Management Program 10-year Plan, including any future revisions, to provide air quality, public health, and habitat benefits.

• $25 M for purchasing vans to provide better transport to farm workers, and upgrades to farmer worker housing.

• $40 M to support year-round mobile farmers’ markets to improve access to agricultural marketplaces and more fresh, healthy, and locally-grown farm products for Californians.

I fight for the millions of families and workers who are hurting and hope for a better tomorrow. Proposition 4 honors and protects our frontline Latino farmers and farmworkers, and supports climate resilience unlike ever before. Action, prevention, and conservation are key to fighting climate change, one of the greatest existential threats to our future.

Let’s not leave anyone behind. Make your voice heard on Proposition 4 this November.