Environmentalisms: Latinx Catholicism and the Environment

About this episode

The episode features a discussion with Amanda Baugh about her book on Latinx Catholic environmentalism and its implications for broader definitions of environmentalism.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Alex

Guest: Amanda Baugh

Topics covered

• Latinx Catholicism
• environmentalism
• sustainability
• ethnographic study
• climate change
• faith and nature

Keywords

• Latinx
• Catholicism
• environment
• sustainability
• climate change
• ethnography
• faith

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Public Religion Research Institute, ASLE EcoCast

Books & works: Falling in Love with Nature: The Values of Latinx Catholic Environmentalism

More episodes of ASLE EcoCast Podcast

• Fantastik Italian: Italian/Americans in Fantasy, Horror, and Science Fiction · June 8, 2026 · 2h 39m
• Climate Influencers: Climate Sustainability in Storytelling with Denise Baden · April 8, 2026 · 42 min
• Contamination in 1970s Science Fiction Films with Matthew Thompson · February 8, 2026 · 38 min
• Cows in the Caribbean: Cattle Chat with Chaz and Andrew · January 6, 2026 · 57 min
• Focusing on the "Wolf" in Werewolf: EcoGothic with Kaja Franck · December 5, 2025 · 57 min
• Expanding Our Sense of Ecofascism: Everyday Ecofascism with Alex Menrisky · November 6, 2025 · 1h 3m