Climate Change

A golden-cheeked warbler, an endangered bird that nests only in Texas’ Hill Country, appeared at Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center in Cedar Hill, near Dallas. This sighting excited birdwatchers but worried experts, suggesting possible habitat disturbance and highlighting the importance of preserving natural spaces amid climate change impacts.

Texas faces significant climate impacts: increased temperatures, intensified hurricanes, rising sea levels, droughts, disease risks, extreme weather, and migration. Climate change is causing heat waves, more powerful hurricanes, increased flood risks, water scarcity, health risks from pathogens and insects, and attracting climate migrants.

Six of eight protestors arrested at Ted Cruz’s house were Dallas youth climate activists from the Sunrise Movement. After a 400-mile march, they protested peacefully in Houston, urging action against climate change and supporting the Civilian Climate Corps for Jobs and Justice Act amid criticisms of political leaders.

Dallas' new Urban Forest Master Plan aims to increase tree canopy coverage from 32% to 37% within a decade, improving the city's resilience to climate change. The plan consolidates tree policies, involves a comprehensive tree inventory, and supports the city's climate goals with nature-based solutions, necessitating public-private partnerships.

Texas bill SB 1261, introduced by Sen. Brian Birdwell, threatens local climate plans in Texas by granting the state exclusive control over greenhouse gas regulations, affecting cities like Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. Residents are urged to oppose it through the Senate Committee.

Dallas youth protested against Comstock Resources, owned by Jerry Jones, accusing them of profiting from Texas' winter storm by exploiting high gas prices. The Sunrise Movement Dallas urged action against companies benefiting from climate issues, demanding utility bill forgiveness and a shift to a green economy.

Emerald ash borers pose a severe threat to ash trees in North Texas, risking ecosystem collapse. These beetles have already killed millions of trees across the U.S. Experts urge swift action to slow their spread, employing methods like SLAM or introducing parasitoid wasps to manage infestations effectively.

The DFW chapter of the Climate Reality Project promotes free online training from April 22 to May 2 to empower climate activists. The sessions focus on policy change, sustainable futures, and stopping fossil fuel expansion. The initiative addresses urgent climate action and adaptation for North Texas.

Seventeen Texas House Democrats, led by Rep. Erin Zwiener, formed a climate caucus to advocate for climate change discussions at the Capitol. They aim for legislative recognition of scientific consensus, addressing the disproportionate impact on minority communities, and fostering clean energy collaboration despite partisan challenges.