Texas Climate & Energy
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Texas is the largest energy-producing and energy-consuming state in the nation. Texas produces more electricity than any other state, generating almost twice as much as Florida, the second-highest electricity-producing state. Thus, Texas has a disproportionate impact on the ability of the U.S. and the global community to mitigate climate change. Texas also can be an energy justice leader, ensuring that energy production doesn’t harm vulnerable communities, and energy is available even to the marginalized.
Light and Life
Using the Public Utility Commission of Texas Sunset Review to Safeguard Texans’ Health and Wellbeing
The upcoming 2022-2023 Sunset review of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, offers a unique opportunity for Texas lawmakers to advance public health in the Lone Star State.
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Health Action for Climate/Climate Action for Health
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special report calling for policies to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius has been getting the lion’s share of media attention at COP24, but the “SR/15” as it’s affectionately known is not the only...
U.S. National Statement at COP24
Today, parties of the COP24 had the opportunity to deliver a national statement to declare their thoughts, hopes, and intentions about the climate negotiations being made. Among the statements made, there was a strong affirmation of the Paris Agreement and desire to...
Breaking the Gridlock: The Need to Diversify Transportation in Cities
Today alone, 27 million tons of carbon dioxide will be emitted by the transport sector. Yes, just the transport sector. 95 million barrels of oil will be burned. 500 children will die in transport accidents. These are the figures given by the transport branch of GIZ,...
Sub-National Strategies in North America for Meeting Paris Commitments
State-level environmental officials of the United States, Mexico and Canada presented at COP24 on Sub-National Strategies to meet Paris commitments. These initiatives have been seen as key to mobilize, support, tackle pressure points for national commitments and...
A Pretty Pact: The Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action
When you think about industries that contribute most to greenhouse gas emissions, I’m willing to bet that the first to come to mind are transportation, agriculture, coal plants -- the list goes on. I’m also willing to bet that the fashion industry would not be in the...
The Fourth National Climate Assessment and What it Means for Texas
Amidst a conference focused heavily on the IPCC’s 1.5 degree Celsius report, today I learned that the US has released a similarly intensive report on Climate Change and its impacts on the United States. Through a presentation given in the US Climate Action Hub, we...
We Are Still In: Discussions on the Fourth National Climate Assessment
I was very fortunate to attend a panel discussion at the US Climate Action Center at the COP24 about the implications of climate change for the US. The panel highlighted the recent Fourth National Climate Assessment report which was released only a few weeks ago in...
Renewables and energy storage
Many cities, communities, and individual households in the United States have started to take the initiative to move towards more and more renewable energy sources. Earlier this summer, in the state of Texas, Georgetown became 100% powered with renewable energy. Today...
Building a Spirit of Solidarity
In the poignant yet hopeful panel discussion “building a spirit of solidarity to overcome climate crisis” faith leaders from around the world urged us to pursue a higher consciousness that taps into our potential for compassion, service and community as we tackle...
First Come, Last Served – Empowering Indigenous Communities to Engage in Climate Change Dialogue
One of the biggest issues within the debate and plans around climate change is care and provisions for indigenous peoples, who are not only (often) heavily affected by climate change, but are also disconnected from technologies and mitigation resources that fight...