An Interview with Dr. Rimola: Grandfather, Physician and Latino Activist

Dr. Sergio Rimola was born in Guatemala and moved to the United States with his wife and kids in 1985 in the midst of a civil war in Central America. As an OB/GYN physician he serves his community in numerous ways. He is a board member of the Virginia Latino Advisory Group where he serves in the healthcare committee. He is also the DC-Metro Region Co-Chairperson of the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) and a volunteer physician for the Health Department, a non-profit Nueva Vida serving uninsured patients, and so much more. And he is an environmentalist to boot.

1) Why are you drawn to the Latino/health/environmental movement?

The health effects of climate change are becoming ever more apparent and as a physician, my draw to the environmental movement is only natural. Communities throughout the world are increasingly feeling the health effects of climate change, from an increase in respiratory diseases such as asthma due to poor air quality to a rise in infectious diseases and viruses such as Lyme, Nile, Dengue and more recently Zika, which is spreading explosively in the Americas and now in Miami. Finally, as a Latino I feel compelled to take part in efforts to advocate for climate action within my community, not to mention that Latinos are disproportionately affected by pollution and climate change.

2) Why do you feel it is important to bring more Latinos closer to environmental issues?

Environmental issues are incredibly important for Latino communities. For one, Latinos tend to live in the most polluted regions. In fact, half of the Latinos in the U.S. live in areas that frequently violate air quality standards. Latinos also tend to be overrepresented in ground maintenance and construction work as well in the agricultural sector, sectors that are highly exposed to toxins and extreme heat, both of which can have detrimental health impacts. It is extremely important to raise awareness in our communities so they can become a strong voice and political power to persuade our legislators to support measures that protect the environment. For this to happen we need more Latino scientists, activists, politicians, doctors, concerned mothers, you name it, to join the movement.

3) How did you become involved in climate work?

My involvement in climate work started through the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) where I have the honor to work with Dr. Minerva Campos as co-chairman of the DC Metro Steering committee. The NHMA mission is to empower Hispanic physicians to lead efforts to improve the health of Hispanic and other undeserved populations. NHMA has been actively involved in providing an expert voice on the effects of climate change on our health. We have partnered with organizations such as Voces Verdes and others in supporting critical climate-smart policies, such as the Clean Power Plan (CPP) that could significantly curb harmful carbon emissions throughout the country.

4) How is the connection with the environment celebrated and understood in your community and culture?

An increasing amount of research suggests that environmental issues are extremely important to Latinos. A recent poll by Latino Decisions reveals that our community is deeply concerned about the environment and the impacts of climate change on their families. To name a few stats, 85 percent of Latinos believe it is extremely important or very important to reduce smog and air pollution and 79 percent believe it is extremely or very important to protect our nation’s wildlife, public lands, and endangered species. My connection to the environment as a Guatemalan-American extends to my own personal upbringing. For one, I was taught to never waste food, leave lights on, or let the water run, all of which are critical habits in the environmental movement. So beyond the health aspects that I associate with as a physician, I already had an innate understanding and connection to some of the core values of the movement.

5) Why does this issue and work matter to you?

I agree with 97 percent of the scientific community that climate change and global warming is a result of human activity and no longer can be ignored. Last year, Pope Francis made the moral argument for climate change, arguing that “the environment is a common patrimony of all humanity,” and I couldn’t agree more. As a physician I believe I have the responsibility to raise my voice and join the conversation on climate change for the sake of our children and grandchildren.

6) What is the connection between your work as a doctor and climate change?

Climate change directly impacts our health. Ozone, mercury and other air toxins can exacerbate health problems such as asthma and heart disease. In the last few decades the number of Americans with asthma and the number of hospital admissions associated with asthma has increased significantly. Children, the elderly and minorities are particularly vulnerable. As a physician, a Latino, and a grandfather I see many professional and personal connections to climate change.

7) Other thoughts, ideas, and reflections?

In my state of Virginia climate change is a growing threat to our community. Virginia is vulnerable to sea level rise, extreme heat, hurricanes, and water shortages, all of which have a detrimental impact on health, jobs and general stability. After African-Americans, Latinos have the highest poverty rate in the commonwealth and large portions don’t have health insurance, making it extremely difficult to address the health consequences of our changing climate (not to mention the additional barriers to health undocumented families face). As a Virginian, I’m proud that Governor McAuliffe stood up for the future of our state in support of the Clean Power Plan, an effort that will help cut harmful air pollution, as well as help our state transition to a clean energy future. It’s important for Latinos to continue vocalizing their support for these policies and work to prepare our families to effectively face the dangers of climate change.