Climate Change and Texas
Impacts, Sources of Pollution, and the Path Towards Keeping Our Climate Livable
There is still hope, and broad public support and technological advances, for cutting emissions and protecting a livable climate in Texas.
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Texas is both the largest emitter of global warming pollution in the United States and home to some of the most dramatic consequences of that pollution. If we don’t act quickly to cut global warming pollution and get on a path to net zero emissions by mid-century, the consequences could prove catastrophic for the Lone Star State. Texas already has more billion dollar weather disasters than any other state.
But there is still hope, and broad public support and technological advances, for cutting emissions and protecting a livable climate in Texas. This primer summarizes the latest science on how global warming is impacting Texas, the largest sources of pollution, solutions for cutting emissions to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, and steps for adapting to those climate changes which are now inevitable.
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Luke Metzger
Executive Director, Environment Texas Research & Policy Center
As the executive director of Environment Texas, Luke is a leading voice in the state for clean air and water, parks and wildlife, and a livable climate. Luke recently led the successful campaign to get the Texas Legislature and voters to invest $1 billion to buy land for new state parks. He also helped win permanent protection for the Christmas Mountains of Big Bend; helped compel Exxon, Shell and Chevron Phillips to cut air pollution at four Texas refineries and chemical plants; and got the Austin and Houston school districts to install filters on water fountains to protect children from lead in drinking water. The San Antonio Current has called Luke "long one of the most energetic and dedicated defenders of environmental issues in the state." He has been named one of the "Top Lobbyists for Causes" by Capitol Inside and received the President's Award from the Texas Recreation and Parks Society for his work to protect Texas parks. He is a board member of the Clean Air Force of Central Texas and an advisory board member of the Texas Tech University Masters of Public Administration program. Luke, his wife, son and daughters are working to visit every state park in Texas.
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