Interview and story by Laurie Bangs, Photo credit Mary Cooper
When Mauricio Leon moved to Minnesota four years ago to get his Master’s degree in Science, Technology and Environmental Policy from the University of Minnesota, he brought with him a native Costa Rican’s appreciation of biodiversity and an understanding of the importance of public policy in protecting it. Costa Rica is today highly regarded for its forward-thinking policies in the protection of its wildlife and natural bounty. Still, Mauricio became increasingly aware that, despite these protections, his country has experienced the loss of species due to deforestation, pollution, hunting and climate change and this concerned him.
“I grew up with an awareness of the threat to nature,” Mauricio explained. Once he completed his training and started working in his field – researching climate change and providing resources for local governments on the issue – you would think he would feel content that he was doing his part to address this global concern. But this young man has a keen sense of urgency. “When you feel passionate, you feel you have to go beyond your day job.”
Where to start? “It became clear to me the place to start is energy,” explained Mauricio. “What needs to happen is a transition where we move away from fossil fuels, and adopt cleaner energy.” As co-chair of the Clean Air and Renewable Energy committee at the North Star branch of the Sierra Club in Minneapolis, Mauricio has made it a priority to promote energy policies that take into consideration issues of equity. “Climate change affects people disproportionately. If we don’t make a conscious effort to make that transition equitable and make sure that everyone benefits from it, the transition will only perpetuate the same social inequalities that we have seen throughout history. We need to make sure that we consciously move in this direction, building a coalition of people who will be impacted by climate change to get their buy into our movement.”
With an expert’s in-depth understanding and appreciation of the immediacy of the problem, Mauricio chose to volunteer with the Sierra Club because he believes the organization shares his level of concern and is willing to move out of the safe waters of moderation. “With a radical problem we need a radical solution,” stated Mauricio. He finds his work with the Sierra Club is well supported by the staff who he says “include the volunteers in conversation regarding policy and gives them the tools” to get involved in a meaningful way.
What gives Mauricio hope in these dark times is the leadership he sees here in Minnesota in climate policy. “I feel motivated. We have touched the bottom, but we are moving back up to the surface. Minnesota has been doing a lot of work to lead energy policy for the region,” and he believes there is a ripple effect of positive influence on neighboring states. Behind much of this work is the steady push of the Sierra Club. “What would happen if the Sierra Club wasn’t working” to inform and influence people about the dangers of climate change? Mauricio wondered. Good question.