North Texas

Katharine Hayhoe, a Texas-based atmospheric scientist, urges those worried about climate change and energy transition to avoid despair. Despite election disappointments, she emphasizes hope, collaboration, and realism in addressing climate issues, and draws inspiration from her faith to maintain a positive and empowered mindset.

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.

With the election over, properly disposing of campaign signs is crucial to avoid environmental harm. Dallas offers recycling for signs at transfer stations, while other Texas areas have specific guidelines. Signs not accepted for recycling should be reused or discarded properly, avoiding wish-cycling practices.

Ballot initiatives on climate policies had varied successes across the U.S., with significant wins in several states, while state legislative races showed mixed results for future climate action. Key measures passed included Washington’s rejection of a climate law repeal, California’s approval of a climate resilience bond, and initiatives in Hawaii, Louisiana, and Honolulu supporting climate funds.

SeaQuest Fort Worth closed following PETA's allegations of animal abuse, including shark deaths and unsanitary conditions. Despite Fort Worth authorities finding no issues, the USDA cited the facility for violations. Former CEO Vince Covino resigned, and other SeaQuest locations closed amidst criticism.

The Fort Worth City Council is considering transferring management of the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge to the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT). Discussions between the city, BRIT, and the Friends group are exploring a potential public-private partnership, which aims to enhance resources while preserving the natural integrity of the 60-year conservation area.

Republican incumbent Christi Craddick has raised over $10 million for her third term on the Railroad Commission of Texas, backed by major fossil fuel donors. Her campaign emphasizes opposing federal regulations and "anti-oil protesters." Opponents call for reform in the commission's role and campaign financing practices.

Early voting has started, and the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club helps voters choose environmentally friendly candidates by analyzing their records and questionnaires. Voters can use resources like TurnTexasGreen.org to identify candidates' stand on crucial environmental issues ahead of elections.

Texas prairie habitat is vanishing, but a nonprofit aims to restore it through the Pollinators and Prairies program. The initiative combines outreach, restoration, research, and partnerships, encouraging Texans to plant native flora and support pollinator research, aiding in reversing wildlife and habitat decline.

Wild Ones DFW, a new native plant group in North Texas, held a meet and greet at the Flower Mound Library. Led by Kristina Dunn, this group focuses on advocating for native plants and is the only Wild Ones chapter in Texas. They aim to collaborate, not compete, with the Native Plant Society of Texas. Dunn hopes to expand to other Texas regions due to ecological diversity.