Climate

Dallas City Council unanimously passed its first climate action plan, the Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan (CECAP), aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet Paris Agreement targets. While many supported it, others called for swift, bold action and emphasized the need for public involvement and partnerships.

The Dallas City Council will vote on the Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan (CECAP) on May 27. With support from community groups, the plan outlines 97 actions to address climate change. Critics, including the Dallas People's Climate Coalition, demand stronger measures focusing on equity, justice, and renewable energy.

In 1970, Denis Hayes, recruited by Senator Gaylord Nelson, organized the first Earth Day. The bipartisan effort catalyzed a global environmental movement, drawing 20 million participants. Hayes, a key environmental advocate, continues to influence the sector through his work and leadership at the Bullitt Foundation.

Environmentalists, including Texas activists, objected to the Trump Administration’s policy easing environmental compliance for polluters amidst the coronavirus crisis, citing public health risks from increased toxic emissions.

Dallas and Fort Worth ISDs initiate climate actions following campaigns by activists Molly Rooke and John MacFarlane. Fort Worth ISD formed a Sustainability Committee, while Dallas ISD approved an Environment and Climate Action Resolution, aiming for sustainability, electric buses, renewable energy, and waste reduction.

The Climate Book Club, launched by Citizens Climate Lobby DFW, meets monthly in Dallas to enhance environmental literacy. Organized by Dr. Melissa Rose Heer-Ahmed, the club tackles complex climate change issues through books like "Storms of My Grandchildren" and encourages public engagement in climate solutions.

Dallas invites residents to six public meetings between Sept. 17 and Oct. 3 for input on a Climate Action Plan. The city hired AECOM to develop the plan. An online survey will be available Sept. 17-Oct. 27 for further feedback. Contact Susan Alvarez or Brittany Hailey for more information.

Chris Guldi of the Dallas Sierra Club leads Climate Walks to raise climate change awareness in Dallas. The two-mile guided tours cover local landmarks and aim to educate participants on climate impacts and solutions, highlighting Dallas's investments in fossil fuels and health effects of extreme weather.

Rice University proposes the Galveston Bay Park Plan, a $3-6 billion project for hurricane protection in the Houston-Galveston area, focusing on quicker, cheaper, and multipurpose solutions compared to Texas A&M's $20 billion coastal barrier system. It aims to protect key areas and be completed by 2027.

The DFW Chapter of the Climate Reality Project educates North Texans on climate change, promoting sustainable energy policies and public engagement. Founded in 2017, it hosts monthly meetings, supports new Climate Reality Leaders, and collaborates with local groups to influence policy and spread awareness at local levels.