An overwhelming majority of scientist agree that human-induced climate change is a real threat. New studies on the science behind climate change are released regularly, but the basic tenet is that so-called greenhouse gases, most notably carbon dioxide, trap sunlight in the earth’s atmosphere, thereby increasing temperatures and otherwise disrupting normal climate patterns.

Scientists predict warmer temperatures, exacerbated extreme weather events, and an increase in the rate of sea level rise in the Gulf Coast over the next century. Summer high temperatures could increase by 3 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit, and winter lows by 5 to 10 degrees.[i] The heat may bring with it more frequent harmful heat waves and extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, and droughts.[ii] Because of the region’s flat topography, subsidence issues, development, and vulnerability to storms, sea-level rise may have a disproportionately large effect. Counting regional subsidence, the relative sea level could increase by 15 inches or more during the next 100 years, which could spell disaster for coastal communities.[iii]

The ecological consequences of climate change in the region are vast although somewhat uncertain. Of particular concern is the potential impact on already vulnerable freshwater resources. Other threats include shifting in ranges of native plants and animals, agricultural disruption, and an increase in mosquito- and water-borne diseases.

Room for progress is vast as well. Texas has the highest emissions of greenhouse gases of any state in the United States, contributing about one seventh of the nation’s total.[iv]

Recent Progress

Although national and international discussions on climate change have been going on for quite some time, progress locally on the issue has only been recent.

In February 2000, the World Wildlife fund released a study titled Texas’ Global Warming Solutions, outlining the emissions reductions that could come from implementing energy efficient technologies and substituting renewable resources. That 31–page report is available at www.worldwildlife.org/climate.

In August 2000, in response to a request from several environmental organizations, the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission (TNRCC) agreed to produce a report by December 1, 2001 that compiles inventory data on greenhouse gas emissions in Texas. It will also examine the global warming assessment and prevention activities and plans of other state and federal agencies, examine the science and potential effects of global warming, and suggest solutions to the problem. Although the report had not been released at the time of printing, TNRCC is scheduling a public hearing on the document in January 2002.

In 2001, the SEED Coalition, Public Citizen of Texas and Texas Impact launched the Cool Texas Network (www.coolTexas.net). The coalition group has hosted a series of public forums around the state, including several in Houston.

In October 2001, the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Ecological Society of America produced an 80-page report titled Confronting Climate Change in the Gulf Coast Region. The document, available at www.ucsuca.org, explores the potential consequences of global climate change to Gulf Coast ecosystems and offers prevention and minimization strategies.

What You Can Do

Keep Informed

Check out the Environmental News Networks regularly updated special report on global warming, available www.enn.com, to learn about national and international happenings. For local and state news, visit www.coolTexas.net and sign up for their regular updates.

Ask for a Tough Plan

Contact your elected officials, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the TNRCC and ask them to develop strong rules to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A sample letter to TNRCC is available at www.coolTexas.net.

Minimize Your Contribution

Reducing personal energy consumption or switching to renewables (see the Energy section) lowers greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA offers a list of ways to reduce your contribution – from changing your air filters regularly to lowering your water heater thermostat to planting shade trees - at www.epa.gov/globalwarming.

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