North Texas

"Law & Nature" airs an "Election 2020" episode on EarthxTV from Nov. 9, exploring the election's impact on environmental law. Panelists will discuss issues like climate change and environmental justice, with insights from leading environmental law experts. The series emphasizes the election's potential long-term implications.

Dallas College's 10th annual Sustainability Summit will be held online on Nov. 6 via Cisco's Webex, featuring presentations and breakout sessions on sustainability. Charles Hopkins will deliver the keynote, focusing on resilience and social justice. This virtual format allows greater participation beyond typical barriers.

Western rat snakes, common in North Texas, are nonvenomous and often found in garages and gardens post-summer. They're harmless to humans and help control rodent populations. Residents can safely remove them using a broom and trash can. For more information, visit the blog "Lives In Nature."

Earlier this month, Richard "Buzz" Smith, an EV advocate from Fort Worth, embarked on a 1,200-mile Texas road trip in a Chevrolet Bolt EV to bust the myth that EVs aren't suitable for long trips. Despite some challenges, including range anxiety and destination closures, the trip proved successful, showcasing the viability of electric vehicles for road-tripping.

In the final presidential debate, Trump focused on economic priorities regarding the oil industry, while Biden emphasized the transition to renewable energy, calling climate change an existential threat. The debate touched on the impact of energy policies on jobs and pollution concerns, reflecting deep divisions in their approaches.

Downwinders at Risk launched SharedAirDFW, a network of air quality monitors in Dallas-Fort Worth to track particulate pollution. Partnering with local institutions, they aim to gather data for advocating relocation of polluters. The project seeks 100 monitors and open data access to improve community health awareness and decision-making.

Fort Worth's Open Space Acquisitions Program, launched to preserve natural areas amid urban growth, aims to protect parcels for flood control, recreation, and wildlife. Overseen by Jennifer Dyke, the program collaborates with stakeholders and utilizes various funding sources, recently purchasing Broadcast Hill to expand Tandy Hills Natural Area.

Texas native plants signal climate change's reality, says Prof. George Diggs. As Texas warms, plants struggle, affecting ecosystems, including species like the American beech tree. Changes in plant hardiness zones reflect these shifts, risking the loss of endemic species vital to the state's biodiversity.

Three University of North Texas graduates launched Wildscapers Landscaping Company to restore local ecosystems by planting Texas native plants in Denton. Their goal is to create urban "wildscapes" that serve as ecological corridors for wildlife, promoting biodiversity and resilience to climate change.

Marcus Russell, a Dallas activist, received the Environmental Justice Award for his work in merging social and environmental justice efforts. He left his ten-year job to focus on founding Commissary Is Very Necessary, aiding underserved communities with legal, health, and financial support while linking pollution to health issues and promoting environmental activism.