Nalleli Cobo’s story is a powerful example of how personal hardship and civic duty can spark massive systemic change. Growing up in South Los Angeles, right next to oil wells, she experienced the harsh reality of industrial pollution from an early age. Over time, her fight for the right to breathe clean air reached far beyond her local neighborhood. Despite immense challenges, Nalleli persevered—collecting evidence, championing minority rights in court, and ultimately succeeding. Her voice has been heard across the United States and the world. Read more at los-angeles.name.
Living in the Shadow of Oil Wells
Nalleli Cobo grew up in a Latino family in South Los Angeles, a neighborhood that sat in the direct shadow of oil fields for decades. Like many of her neighbors and family members, she suffered from chronic health issues since childhood, including severe headaches, nosebleeds, asthma symptoms, and general malaise. Medical experts linked these conditions to the toxic emissions from urban oil extraction. This lived experience became the foundation of her activism, shaping her deep understanding of environmental injustice.
Founding the South Central Youth Leadership Coalition
In 2015, Nalleli Cobo co-founded the South Central Youth Leadership Coalition, a youth-led organization dedicated to protecting the community’s environmental rights. Partnering with other civic and civil rights groups, the coalition documented violations, hired legal counsel, and pressured city officials to address the issue of unregulated oil drilling.
This coalition became the driving force behind a major lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles, which for years had “rubber-stamped” new oil projects in minority neighborhoods. The court eventually ruled this practice illegal. Even an attempt by the oil industry to file a counter-lawsuit ended in a loss for the corporations.
One of the most significant victories for Cobo and the coalition was the permanent closure of a toxic oil site near her home. This precedent had far-reaching consequences. Under pressure from activists, Los Angeles overhauled its environmental regulations regarding drilling near residential areas. The city strengthened environmental safety requirements and mandated more robust public consultations. The coalition’s success became a blueprint for other California communities, with activists in Inglewood, Bakersfield, and beyond adopting Cobo’s strategies.
International Advocacy and Global Impact
Cobo’s influence soon crossed international borders. She joined global climate campaigns and worked alongside Greta Thunberg in the fight for climate justice. Her story was no longer seen as just a local success but as a vital part of the global movement against environmental racism and the reckless exploitation of natural resources.
At the heart of her work is the concept of environmental justice. In speeches and interviews, Cobo has consistently argued that the oil issue in Los Angeles isn’t just about climate or energy—it’s a human rights issue. For decades, oil wells were disproportionately placed in Latino and African American neighborhoods, creating systemic inequality. Cobo became a leading figure forcing regulators to confront environmental racism directly, backing her emotional testimony with medical data and legal expertise.
The Voice of a Generation
Nalleli Cobo is a regular fixture in major American and international media, with coverage from Time, The Guardian, the Los Angeles Times, and NBC News. She represents a new generation of activists who bridge the gap between local lived experience and a global vision for the future.
Her media presence is defined by a focus on reality over rhetoric. She highlights personal stories, specific health impacts, and the legal tools communities can use to protect themselves. This makes her message resonate with both activists and the general public. Beyond her advocacy, Cobo is a mentor to the next generation, participating in educational programs and leadership training for community youth.
Awards and International Recognition
A defining moment came in 2022 when she was awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize, often called the “Green Nobel.” The award recognized her ability to achieve tangible legal results—closing a toxic site and shifting city policy—rather than just symbolic victories. This made her the prize recipient for the North American region.
That same year, the California Energy Commission inducted her into the Clean Energy Hall of Fame. This was a significant nod from state regulators, acknowledging her role in the transition to safe, clean energy.
Her global standing was further cemented when TIME magazine named her to the “TIME 100 Next” list, which features people shaping the future. She was also recognized by Apolitical as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People in Climate” and by Sachamama as one of the most influential Latinos in climate action.
Earlier accolades included the Rose Braz Award for Bold Activism in 2020. Over the years, she has also been honored by the Liberty Hill Foundation, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, Univisión, and numerous civil rights organizations.
Nalleli Cobo’s story proves that a local problem can trigger systemic change. From the streets of South Los Angeles to international climate stages, her journey highlights the power of community solidarity, legal persistence, and personal accountability. These are the stories defining environmental leadership in the 21st century