Connecting Leaders for a Sustainable Future 
El Puente-Enlace Latino de Acción Climática (El Puente-ELAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit program, is at the forefront of climate justice efforts in Puerto Rico. Founded in 2013, originating from El Puente in Williamsburg, New York, it was created under the visionary leadership of Luis Garden Acosta, who sought to unite Puerto Rican communities in the diaspora with those on the Island. Its first director, David Ortiz, and a diverse advisory board helped shape the program’s initial strategy and continue to support its growth.
A Vision Grounded in Community and Collaboration
Since its inception, El Puente-ELAC has upheld its mission: “to inspire and nurture leaders for peace and justice and promote citizen participation for mitigation and adaptation to climate change.” The organization promotes a culture of openness, equality, and shared leadership, welcoming diverse voices and encouraging community participation at all levels.
According to social media, the organization profoundly believes that “an equitable future begins with empowered communities.”
Empowering Through Education and Activism
El Puente-ELAC’s programs focus on education, mobilization, and policy advocacy. Its Climate Education Program engages youth and school communities, strengthening their ability to tackle climate change. Comprehensive school models integrating climate education into daily life ensure that “students and community members live what they learn and learn what they live,” as their website shares.
Additionally, initiatives like Artivism Day for Climate Justice give youth hands-on experiences in activism, creativity, and community leadership, building solidarity across Puerto Rico. Every action counts when it comes to climate justice.
Driving Public Policy and Community Advocacy
El Puente-ELAC actively campaigns against efforts to privatize Puerto Rico’s electric grid and advocates against environmentally harmful practices such as coal burning, toxic ash disposal, and destructive land-use policies. Their involvement highlights their unwavering dedication to protecting the environment and local communities’ health.
El Puente-ELAC states, “Clean energy is not just necessary—it’s urgent. We must act now for a healthy planet and healthy communities.”
Building Resilient Communities 
Responding proactively to natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes, El Puente-ELAC developed “Oasis Energéticos,” a program installing solar-powered systems at community centers. These systems ensure communities have reliable electricity, even during power outages, enabling access to critical services such as refrigeration of medicines and food preservation. The initiative includes community training workshops to educate residents on renewable energy and disaster preparedness, empowering communities to become self-sufficient during emergencies.
Puente Pal’ Sur was also established to support communities affected by disasters, offering training, resources, and collaborative frameworks to strengthen local capacity to respond and recover effectively.
Inspiring Action Against Climate Change
El Puente-ELAC invites everyone interested in building a sustainable future for Puerto Rico to get involved. Your support ensures their critical work continues, empowering Puerto Rican communities to confront climate challenges today and in the future.
CONTACT El Puente-Enlace Latino de Acción Climática 
Website: https://elpuenteelacpr.org/
Email: elac@elpuente.us
Telephone: 787-545-5118, 787-545-5119
Location: 54 Robles Street, 2nd floor, San Juan, PR 00925
