Climate

Tarrant County joined the Texas Solar for All Consortium, reversing a previous rejection, after efforts by Commissioner Alisa Simmons. The coalition seeks federal funds for solar projects aiding low-income residents. Despite some public opposition, a 3-1 vote favored joining, aiming to enhance Tarrant County's economic and environmental profile.

Fort Worth lacks a climate action plan while Dallas leads in detailed planning. Fort Worth's environmental efforts focus on urban forestry and open space. The city is poised to join a regional climate action plan, but it faces criticism for not addressing climate change explicitly and lacks an environmental justice strategy.

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.

The Dallas Environmental Commission seeks residents to join its advisory group. Applicants need two years of environmental or advocacy experience. The deadline is May 12. Twelve public participants are needed for subcommittees. Meetings are held monthly. The aim is to enhance community involvement in environmental issues.

In March 2023, Dallas launched two initiatives to boost climate resilience: Whole Home Dallas connects residents to resources for weatherization and energy efficiency; Green Job Skills offers free, self-paced training for construction workers in energy-efficient home improvements. Both programs support the city's climate action goals.

DFW and DAL airports in North Texas are rivaled for sustainability. DFW, a major economic engine, achieved carbon neutrality and targets net zero carbon by 2030 through renewable energy and efficient operations. DAL, while smaller, emphasizes urban sustainability with LEED certification, EV initiatives, and recycling programs.

During Texas drought, trees require watering to survive. The 2022 drought stresses trees, risking long-term harm from pests and diseases. Mature trees need watering every 10-14 days, beyond the dripline, while young trees require more frequent irrigation. Mulching aids in moisture retention, and watering should avoid direct contact with trunks.

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.

Dallas volunteers planted 300 trees in six parks as part of the Branching Out program to enhance the city's tree canopy, addressing damage from past storms. The initiative supports Dallas's goal to increase urban forest coverage from 32% to 37% under its climate action and urban forest plans.

Plant researchers are launching an effort to sequence the genome of every plant on Earth, comprising about 500,000 species. This Earth BioGenome Project aims to solve global challenges like food scarcity and climate change, with potential applications in agriculture, medicine, and ecology through plant-based solutions.