I am from Puerto Rico, from a Town called Naranjito. As natives, we call ourselves Boricua, we share values and we honor our Island Heritage. Our state of mind, our way of life, our rhythm and flavor are what make Puerto Rico – a name that translates to Rich Port.

These cultural values guide my concern for the ongoing environmental degradation affecting our beautiful island and its people. Puerto Rico is blessed with rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, from lush rainforests to pristine beaches. However, the increasing threat of climate change and environmental neglect poses a significant risk to our natural heritage. Rising sea levels, more frequent and severe hurricanes, and deforestation are just a few of the challenges we face.

We must take immediate action to protect our environment. This includes advocating not only in Puerto Rico, but in the United States’ mainland too, for stronger environmental policies, supporting sustainable development practices, and promoting community-led conservation efforts. Our cultural heritage teaches us the importance of living in harmony with nature, and it is our responsibility to ensure that future generations can enjoy the same natural beauty that we cherish today.

By coming together as a whole, we can make a difference. Let us honor our cultural values by taking a stand for our environment and working towards a sustainable future.

Kelvin Matos-Sánchez is a passionate bilingual professional and was a member of the telos leadership foundation’s Emerging Leaders class of 2024. He is dedicated to encouraging the Latinx community to reach its educational goals through English language access and creating pathways for citizenship.

The telos leadership foundation sponsored a contest, challenging its Emerging Leaders Fellows to write a 200-word letter to the editor that expresses their values and opinions on an issue that is important to them. Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer judged the contest and agreed to publish the top three finishers online and in print. This piece by Matos-Sánchez earned second place.