Celebrate These Leaders for AAPI Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month! As we celebrate this month, it is important to recognize that there is no climate justice without racial justice, and to highlight the work of AAPI leaders and organizations who are making a difference in the climate space.

Here are some incredible AAPI leaders and organizations who are actively working towards a more equitable world who you should support year-round, not just this month. 

Varshini Prakash

Varshini Prakash is the executive director and co-founder of the Sunrise Movement, a youth-led organization that aims to stop climate change and create millions of good jobs in the process. Prakash has been an instrumental voice in the fight for climate justice and has been recognized as one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People.

Stop AAPI Hate

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge in anti-Asian hate crimes in the United States. Stop AAPI Hate is a coalition addressing anti-Asian hate in the U.S. and works to stop these hate crimes.

Asian Pacific Environmental Network‍

The Asian Pacific Environmental Network is a grassroots organization that works to build the power of Asian immigrant and refugee communities to fight for environmental and social justice.

Sophia Li‍

Sophia Li is a journalist, director, and environmentalist who has been recognized for her work on climate change. She has been a contributor to Vogue, New York Magazine, Washington Post, and Atmos.

350 Pacific‍

350 Pacific is a grassroots movement working to fight climate change from the Pacific Islands. They work to amplify the voices of Pacific Islanders and advocate for climate justice policies.

Kevin Patel‍

Kevin Patel is an activist, organizer, and founder of OneUpAction International, a non-profit organization that focuses on grassroots activism, organizing, and advocacy for climate justice. Patel has been recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree for his work on climate justice.

Kristy Drutman‍

Kristy Drutman is the founder of Browngirl Green and the Green Jobs Board. Browngirl Green is a platform that amplifies the voices of people of color in the environmental movement. The Green Jobs Board is a resource for people of color who are looking for jobs in the green economy.

Hiroko Tabuchi‍

Hiroko Tabuchi is an investigative climate and environment reporter for the New York Times. She covers climate and environmental issues, and her reporting has shed light on important issues and initiated policy changes.