Climate Change

In the wake of the election, the urgent threat to environmental protections from the new administration's plans requires action from all, leveraging legal systems, public opinion, and pressure. Citizens must support eco-friendly businesses, unite across communities, and ensure progress isn't reversed, recalling Churchill’s resolve against tyranny.

A local performance group, Watering Hole Collective, is presenting "I Am an Island," a surrealist dark comedy addressing global warming. The play follows May's journey to raise awareness of her sinking island through political demonstration. Nonprofit partners host post-show discussions, with play proceeds supporting these organizations.

Cheryl Shadden, a Granbury, Texas resident, suffers from noise pollution and hearing loss caused by a nearby 300-megawatt Bitcoin facility. The growing number of energy-intensive cryptocurrency mines in Texas raises concerns about power grid stability and rising utility costs, while residents demand accountability and solutions for noise and environmental impacts.

The South Central Climate Resilience Forum will be held April 2-4, 2024, in Dallas, uniting stakeholders from a five-state region to address climate change. The event includes sessions on resilience, a keynote by Katharine Hayhoe, and networking opportunities to inspire community action and share success stories.

North Texans face extreme heat, with consecutive days over 100 degrees and a high heat index. This relentless heat impacts daily life, mental health, and the environment, leading to anxiety, grief, and health risks. Coping strategies include mindfulness, self-expression, and seeking climate-aware therapy to address these challenges.

Developer NextDecade has secured $5.9 billion for a large gas terminal in the Rio Grande delta, with five compressors processing 5.4 million tons of LNG annually, marking significant growth in Texas' energy exports despite opposition from local activists and environmental concerns.

Record-setting heat in Texas led to numerous ER visits for heat illnesses, especially in cities like Austin and Del Rio. June 2023 may become the hottest June ever recorded in parts of Texas. Deaths linked to heat include a utility lineman and a postal worker; some migrants have died near the U.S./Mexico border.

In 2023, Texas legislators ignored proposals to enhance energy efficiency and curb greenhouse gas emissions while promoting laws that hinder local climate actions and favor fossil fuels. Despite some successes in water management and penalties for pollution, significant environmental justice proposals failed to advance.

EPA officials visited the Barnett Shale, noting pollution risks from fracking near residential areas. Community members, including Liveable Arlington, highlighted lax regulations and health concerns. Despite past productivity, Barnett output has declined. Locals seek stronger monitoring and oversight, amidst challenges from state laws limiting city fracking bans.

The Biden administration announces the development of the Gulf of Mexico’s first offshore wind farms off Texas and Louisiana coasts, expected to power 3 million homes. The planned Galveston project spans 546,645 acres and will power 2.3 million homes, while another near Port Arthur covers 188,023 acres, powering 799,000 homes.