Seeing how environmental and social inequities overlap made it clear that climate work is inseparable from justice, and it pushed me toward wanting to be a part of sustaining the planet and protecting our communities and ecosystems that depend on it. – Phoenix Tovar
Meet Phoenix Tovar, the PCC’s new project manager. An Austin native and UT sophomore, Phoenix will be supporting our organization as we embark on our first-ever listening campaign. We’ll speak to a diverse array of ATX caregivers about their challenges and opportunities around parenting in a time of climate change, so we can build programming and resources that serve our community and resonate across shared values. Below, Phoenix shares her journey into climate organizing and passion for environmental law, along with advice on how caregivers and adult allies can support youth voices in the climate movement.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi! My name is Phoenix Tovar, I’m a sophomore at UT Austin studying Environmental Science within the Jackson School of Geoscience. I’m born and raised in Austin, TX. I love my two orange tabby cats, collecting cassettes and discovering new music, and going thrift shopping around the city! I am very passionate about climate resilience and environmental advocacy, and try to stay engaged and committed to advancing climate adaptation strategies.
How did you first get excited about the natural world, environmental justice, or a green career?
I first became interested during COVID, when quarantine gave me the time to immerse myself in the news, and articles emerging about climate disasters and accelerating environmental change. The more I learned, the harder it became to ignore the urgency of climate change and its effect on virtually everything.
I then became aware of its connection to my own neighborhood, growing up in the historically marginalized East Austin, where the legacy of a Tank Farm’s toxic leaks into residential homes reflected how environmental burdens were pushed onto Black and Hispanic/Latinx communities. Seeing how environmental and social inequities overlap made it clear that climate work is inseparable from justice, and it pushed me toward wanting to be a part of sustaining the planet and protecting our communities and ecosystems that depend on it.
Taking younger people and their ideas and questions seriously is important; it helps them find their voice and feel empowered, which in turn could encourage them to participate in shaping a more sustainable future.- Phoenix Tovar
What does climate justice mean to you?
Climate justice to me means addressing climate change in an equitable way, recognizing and amplifying the voices of people who are the most affected. Ensuring that mitigation strategies and solutions protect vulnerable communities, and distribute those benefits and burdens fairly worldwide.
What are some career paths you are considering after college? What inspires you about them?
The career path I am most interested in pursuing right now is Environmental law, at the intersection of global policy and environmental justice. What inspires me the most about this field is the opportunity to help protect communities both local and across the world, who are disproportionately affected by climate change, pollution, and inequity. I believe it will allow me to work directly on issues like clean water access, public health, climate displacement, and to advocate for people whose voices are often overlooked in policy decisions. I’m drawn to the idea that legal work and policy/political action can create structural change, whether by shaping international agreements, holding corporations accountable, or helping people defend their right to a safe environment that they can build a life in.
What is one way that parents and adult allies can support youth around climate action?
One way I think that parents and adult allies can support youth around climate action is to support their learning, and depending on their age, immersing them in our environment now. Creating the space for them to learn and explore, encouraging their curiosity and connecting them with sustainable projects or something local like a community/school garden can give newfound understanding that can help build their own opinions and confidence. Taking younger people and their ideas and questions seriously is important; it helps them find their voice and feel empowered, which in turn could encourage them to participate in shaping a more sustainable future.
