Environmentalisms: Latinx Catholicism and the Environment

In this episode, Alex sat down with Amanda Baugh to chat about her new book, Falling in Love with Nature: The Values of Latinx Catholic Environmentalism. An ethnographic study of Hispanic Catholics, Baugh's book argues to widen the definition of environmentalism to include those who commit more sustainable actions (recycling, public transportation) not because of an express desire to be an environmentalist, but because of pious attention to loving nature in order to uphold one's faith. Spurred by a Public Religion Research Institute survey that found that Hispanic Catholics were more concerned about climate change than any other religious focus group, Baugh pushes against notions of the environmentalism of the poor. The idea that impoverished people practice more sustainable living due to their class, Baugh instead analyzes their faith. Recorded on the day of the conclave for a new Pope, this is a perfect companion piece to last month's episode with Kate Rigby!

 

For more of Amanda Baugh:

 

Website: amandajbaugh.com

 

Email: amanda.baugh@csun.edu

 

ASLE EcoCast:

If you have an idea for an episode, please submit your proposal here: https://forms.gle/Y1S1eP9yXxcNkgWHA  

• Twitter: @ASLE_EcoCast
• Lindsay Jolivette: @lin_jolivette
• Alex Tischer: @ak_tischer

 

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Episode recorded May 7, 2025

CC BY-NC-ND 4.0