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Houston Environmental News Update October 27, 2021
October 28, 2021

Houston Environmental News Update October 27, 2021

COP26 Climate Change Conference, Gulf Coast Water Conservation Symposium, Geothermal Energy, Houston Arboretum Fall Plant Sale, San Leon Day, Conservation Summit, six new Green Jobs and more

Urgent. Not enough. Inching forward. Last chance. Do-or-Die. No deal. Flood, flames, and heat. Clock ticks down. Breakthrough or Bust. Crucial deal. Unresolved. Nothing has changed. Disastrous.

A potential turning point in the struggle to avert the worst effects of climate change.

These phrases are in news headlines and articles leading up to the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26 or the Glasgow Conference. 

COP26 will be held starting October 31, 2021, through November 12, 2021. The conference is the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the third meeting of the parties to the Paris Agreement. The first such COP was held in 1995, after the Framework was signed at the Earth Conference in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. 

The conference organizers have provided this useful document, COP26 Explained. 

“As countries begin to recover from the Coronavirus pandemic, we must take the historic opportunity to tackle climate change at the same time – to build back better, and greener. We can deliver green recoveries across the globe that bring in good jobs, trillions in investment and ground-breaking new technology. And we must. To keep the temperature of the planet under control – limiting its increase to 1.5 degrees – the science dictates that by the second half of the century, we should be producing less carbon than we take out of the atmosphere. This is what reaching ‘net zero’ means…. For those countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change – FOREWORD who are already seeing their homes disappear under water and their crops decimated by drought – COP26 simply can’t be another talking shop…. COP26 needs to be decisive. Whether future generations look back at this time with admiration or despair, depends entirely on our ability to seize this moment. Let’s seize it together.”

Alok Sharma, COP President-Designee

At the heart of COP26 will be negotiations involving the 197 Parties to the UNFCCC. Outcomes include plans to reduce emissions, strengthen adaptation and resilience to climate impacts, scale up finance and support, protect and restore nature, follow the best available science, and empower inclusive action.

We encourage you to attend Green Zone events virtually. Sessions will address a a call for global climate justice, economics, astronauts, a scenario exploration game, disappearing glaciers, Earthshot, listening to nature in languages other than our own, faith and religion, youth leadership, mangroves, poetry, green careers, migrants, SDGs, consumer behavior, Jane Goodall, race cars, transportation, buildings, building coalitions, and a citizen science project finding walruses in satellite images. You might also take a peak at the Climate Challenge Cup on Nov. 10, 2021; Houston’s own Texas Carbon Market is a finalist in the competition.

TY @LeverforChange, @macfound & Lyda Hill Philanthropies support of the TX Carbon Mkt Honored as 1 of 12 finalists for @COP26 #ClimateChallengeCup Thrilled to collaborate w @the_young_fdn, @MetroLabNetwork @UKSINet & @UKinTX #TogetherForOurPlanet

Originally tweeted by Baker Energy Studies (@CES_Baker_Inst) on October 26, 2021.

The New York Times is also hosting The Climate Hub, an extraordinary program of sessions and speakers–and a special program for educators; registration for virtual events is usually free.

The most important element of this conference is that we still have hope–but we must all take action.

Speaking of taking action… Don’t forget to vote!

Not sure about the next election? (It’s Tuesday.) You can visit votetexas.gov or contact the election official for your county (listed below). You might also consider viewing this questionnaire for HISD school board candidates, prepared by Air Alliance Houston, LINK Houston, and Bike Houston.

CEC NOTES

CEC Programs Committee – Call for Volunteers!

Do you love CEC’s Green Films events? Are you passionate about the Earth Day Houston festival? Is local environmental education an important part of your work? If so, please consider joining CEC’s Programs Committee to help plan and build these exciting programs for the upcoming year. Email paige@cechouston.org to get connected.

Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers

Engage your students with lessons outdoors or virtually. Sign up today at hereinhouston.org.

Call for submissions: Wild About Houston Green Film Festival

The CEC is proud to host the fourth annual Wild About Houston Green Film Festival this fall. CEC hopes to use this festival to tell local environmental stories, highlight the work of CEC’s member organizations, and to inspire our residents and visitors to make a difference in the environment and our quality of life. The festival will be held virtually to protect the health and safety of our community in these times. We invite you to submit a film for consideration. Films should be specific to the environment in the Houston/Gulf Coast Region, should be no more than seven minutes long, and must be of suitable quality to be shown publicly. View the Submission Guidelines, and make submissions using this Google Form.

Air Champion Social Change Scientists Global Video Contest

McMac Cx Air Champions Social Change Scientists are passionate community influencers, teachers, parents, student innovators, and activists who believe that we have a right to live, learn, work and play in places where we are allowed to know the quality of the air we breathe. Make a 30-90 second video about healthy air, and enter the Air Champions Global Video Contest for a chance to win a state-of-the-art Flow Personal Air Monitor, the chance to have your film shown at the Wild About Houston Film Festival, AND the chance to receive a $1,000 cash prize. Learn more at McMacCx.com/globalvideocontest.

Deadline Extended: Imagine a Day Without Water Video Contest

The City of Houston Public Works department invites Houston residents to participate in Imagine a Day Without Water Video Contest! This contest is designed to engage all Houstonians in the nation-wide event “Imagine a Day Without Water,” hosted by the Value of Water Campaign. Entrants should create a video–not to exceed 1-minute–exploring or depicting various aspects of what daily life might look like/be affected by an entire day without any water. Enter for the chance to win cash prizes AND the opportunity to have your films shown about the 2021 Wild About Houston Green Film Festival! View the flyer and visit houstontx.gov for more information. Submit videos by Sunday, October 28, 2021, to waterconservation@houstontx.gov.

Please scroll down to read about public engagement opportunities and notes from our member organizations and the community.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Input Requested: San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group

The San Jacinto RFPG seeks input from the public regarding the development of a regional flood plan, part of a statewide flood plan. Learn more, submit input, and sign up for updates at sanjacintofloodplanning.org.

Early Voting for Joint General and Special Elections continues through Oct. 29, 2021

Visit votetexas.gov or your county’s election official for more information.

COALITION & COMMUNITY NOTES

We have endeavored to confirm the opportunities listed below. Please consider confirming directly with the hosts, particularly in light of concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

10th Annual Gulf Coast Water Conservation Symposium

On Oct. 28, 2021, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the Houston Advanced Research Center will host the 10th Annual Gulf Coast Water Conservation Symposium, which provides water utilities and other organizations interested in water management and conservation with the information needed to implement successful water conservation programs, effectively engage customers, and plan for the future. This year’s symposium is focused on case studies and tools to help attendees identify challenges and solutions for successfully managing water in their regions as an integrated resource. For more information and to register, visit harcresearch.org.

Northeast Trails Exploration Study Community Meeting

On Oct. 28, 2021, beginning at 6 p.m., Harris County Precinct One and the Houston Parks Board will co-host a virtual community meeting on the Northeast Trails Exploration study. An update will be provided on input received thus far and we will ask key questions to further refine community input for the study. To register, visit zoom.us.

Union Pacific & Environmental Sampling in Greater Fifth Ward Community Meeting

On Thursday, October 28, 2021, beginning at 6 p.m., residents of the Greater Fifth Ward are invited to join Lone Star Legal Aid for an Impact Community Meeting: Union Pacific & Environmental Sampling in Greater Fifth Ward.  Discussions will be presented by Rodrigo Cantú of Lone Star Legal Aid’s Equitable Development Initiative, Dr. Garett Sansom, MPH and Leanne Fawkes, MPH of Texas A&M University, Dr. Loren Hopkins with the Houston Health Department, and Dr. Grace Tee Lewis with Environmental Defense Fund. Learn more at lonestarlegal.org.

Geothermal: Emission-free Electricity in Texas

On Oct. 28, 2021, beginning at 7 p.m., The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N will host a Going GREEN lecture titled “Geothermal: Emission-free Electricity in Texas”. Attendees will learn what geothermal energy is, the many uses of this inexhaustible, renewable resource, and where it is successfully being harnessed today; and how geothermal can accelerate the energy transition. For more information and to register, visit thewoodlandsgreen.org.

The Path of Hope: A Study on Climate Action for Faith Communities

From Oct. 28 through Nov. 13, 2021, the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston will host an online discussion series built around 15-minute videos featuring interviews with US faith leaders, representatives of climate-impacted communities from the global South, and presentations by UN officials and other experts. The series focuses on how climate change is impacting the core ministries of faith communities around the world, how those impacts will increase in the future, and why these impacts create an imperative for people of faith to advocate for strong US climate action. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Park

On Oct. 29, 2021, from 7-9 p.m., the Nature Discovery Center in Bellaire will host a fun and fascinating night of creepy nature stories, games, and a night hike through a moonlit nature park hosted by Head Naturalist Eric Duran. Learn scary stories from the natural world and have animal encounters with some of the Center’s creepier creatures. Snacks and adult beverages will be served at this adults only event for ages 21 and up. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit naturediscoverycenter.org.

Backyard Wild

On Oct. 27, 2021, beginning at 7 p.m., the Houston chapter of the Native Prairies Association of Texas will hold a virtual meeting featuring a presentation by Cee Cee Parker, who will share personal stories and her photography of her own ‘wildlife oasis’ – 31 acres in Fort Bend County – complete with her deer herd, Henri the blue heron, Farley the Fortunate Turtle, coyotes, and even a bobcat. Parker is on the Cullinan Park Advisory Board and Fort Bend Green. To register, visit zoom.us.

Halloween Night Cruises

On Oct. 29 and 30, 2021, beginning at 7 p.m., Armand Bayou Nature Center will offer night cruises where you’ll get a chance to experience the sights and sounds of the bayou at night and hear about some of the creepy critters that are important to the bayou ecosystem. Space is limited. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit abnc.org.

Prairie Restoration at Sims Bayou

On Oct. 30, 2021, from 9 a.m.-noon, the Houston Parks Board will host a volunteer event during International Bat Week to restore prairie land at the corner of Simsbrook Drive and S. Post Oak Road. This family-friendly volunteer opportunity includes planting and seeding. Volunteers will be split up upon arrival into 3-4 groups of 10 or less due to COVID-19 safety precautions. For more information and to register, visit houstonparksboard.org.

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Fall Plant Sale

On Oct. 30, 2021, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center will host its Fall Plant Sale. ! A variety of Texas natives will be featured, including perennial and annual wildflowers (including milkweed), grasses, shrubs, and trees. These plants are perfect for attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to your yard or garden while helping to conserve water, reduce mowing, protect the soil, and save money on fertilizer and pesticides. For more information, visit houstonarboretum.org.

San Leon Day By The Bay

On Oct. 30, 2021, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., the Houston Advanced Research Center and Galveston Bay Foundations will co-host a free, family-friendly event outside Topwater Grill, 815 Avenue O in San Leon. The event will feature will music, activities, raffles, and resources focused on water conservation, pollution reduction, septic system maintenance and more. Visitors can explore the recently-released 2021 Galveston Bay Report Card and the tools it provides for the community. For more information, visit Facebook.

Halloween Family Night Hikes

On Oct. 30, 2021, beginning at 6 p.m., the Armand Bayou Nature Center is offering a Family Halloween Night Hike. Along the hike, there will be demonstrations where your family group can learn about some of the spooky night creatures that make the nature center their home and why these animals are vital to our ecosystems. Space is limited. The hikes will be offered again on Oct. 30. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit abnc.org.

Why Insects Matter

On Oct. 31, 2021, from 5-6 p.m., Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church will host a webinar featuring Rice University assistant teaching professor Scott Solomon, who will discuss the complex relationships we have with insects and the reasons why they have been– and continue to be– among Earth’s most essential species. Insects are also the most diverse group of organisms on the planet and life as we know it could not exist without them. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Climathon Houston 2021 Awards

On Nov. 1, 2021, Impact Houston will hold the awards ceremony for Climathon Housoton 2021, which envision a more prosperous, inclusive, climate-resilient economy, where finance flows to green projects and activities, and where motivated people are empowered with the skills and capacity they need to take action. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Coastal & Estuarine Research Federation 2021 conference

From Nov. 1-4 and 8-11, 2021, the Coastal & Estuarine Research Federation will celebrate its 50th anniversary by hosting its 2021 conference online. The conference is an opportunity to connect science and society in the collective goals of preserving coastal and estuarine habitats, resources, and heritage. For more information and to register, visit conference.cerf.science.

Scenic Houston Annual Dinner

On Nov. 2, 2021, Scenic Houston will hold its 2021 Annual Dinner at the River Oaks Country Club. During the event, the organizaation will honor long-time Scenic Houston advocate and supporter, Mr. Richard (Dick) W. Weekley with its Scenic Visionary award. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit scenichouston.org.

Texan By Nature 2021 Conservation Summit

On Nov. 3, 2021, Texan By Nature will hold its 2021 Conservation Summit virtually, with a mix of in-person attendance at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas as well as a free virtual attendance option. The Conservation Summit, with the theme “The Future of Conservation,” focuses on bringing conservation and business leaders together for rich, impact-focused dialogue and networking. For more information and to register, visit texanbynature.org.

Greentown Labs Climatetech Summit 2021

On Nov. 4, 2021, Greentown Labs Houston will host the its Climatetech Summit 2021 both at its headquarters, 4200 San Jacinto St., and virtually. Attendees will hear directly from Greentown’s entrepreneurs about the solutions they’re developing and what they need to bring them to market. They’ll also learn about key technology areas that are driving momentum to equitably tackle the climate crisis, and explore the plentiful opportunities for everyone to be a part of the energy transition that’s already unfolding. For more information and to regisgter, visit greentownlabs.com.

2021 Buffalo Bayou Partnership Gala

On Nov. 4, 2021, from 6:30-10 a.m., the Buffalo Bayou Partnership will hod its 2021 Gala, themed “Connection Houston,” at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park. This year’s event will honor BBP Board Members Rev. Harvey Clemons, Jr., Anne Whitlock and Gloria Zenteno for their leadership in spearheading the organization’s diversity and equity initiatives and celebrate BBP’s dedication to creating and stewarding vibrant parks and trails for all Houstonians to enjoy. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit buffalobayou.org.

Greens Bayou Coalition 2021 Annual Luncheon

On Nov. 5, 2021, beginning at 11 a.m., the Greens Bayou Coalition will hold its 2021 Annual Luncheon at the Hilton Houston North. The event will feature keynote speaker Alan Black, interim executive director of the Harris County Flood Control District. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit greensbayou.org.

Nature Discovery Center Late Fall Migration Birding Trip

On Nov. 6, 2021, beginning at 7:30 a.m., the Nature Discovery Center will host a late fall migration birding trip to the Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary and Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. Attendees will be on the lookout for fall migrating songbirds, shorebirds and waterfowl. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit naturediscoverycenter.org.

Squawk Walk 2021 at Exploration Green

On Nov. 6, 2021, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Exploration Green and partnering organizations will hold Squawk Walk 2021, celebrating the important role Houston plays in the lives of billions of birds. Attendees are invited to bring cameras, binoculars, water, and walking shoes for birding There will be exhibits from numerous environmental and other nonprofits and sponsoring businesses. For more information, visit the Facebook event.

Brew on the Bayou

On Nov. 6, 2021, from 4-8 p.m., the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory will hold its 2021 Brew on the Bayou fundraiser in Lake Jackson. Attendees can sample and enjoy specialty brews from local breweries as well as wines. The event will include live music, local food trucks and a silent auction. The Observatory’s wooded grounds will be lit by torchlight making it a perfect spot to enjoy the brews, the food and the music. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit gcbo.org.

Bayou City Waterkeeper’s 14th Annual Folks ‘N Oysters

On Nov. 6, 2021, from 5:30-7 p.m., Bayou City Waterkeeper will hold its 14th annual Folks ‘N Oysters fundraiser virtually. The event, which celebrates Bayou City Waterkeeper’s 20th anniversary, will honor Texas A&M University’s John Jacob, Ph.D. for his advocacy for Texas wetlands and flood resiliency. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bayoucitywaterkeeper.org.

Gulf of Mexico Conference abstracts due Nov. 12

The Gulf of Mexico Conference (GoMCon) is scheduled for April 25-28, 2022 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. GoMCon combines the annual Gulf of Mexico Alliance All Hands Meeting, the annual Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill and Ecosystem Science Conference, and the triannual State of the Gulf Summit. Emphasizing the intersection of science and management across the Gulf Coast region, GoMCon will include sessions on themes that are important to ecosystem and community resilience as well as restoration and natural resource management. The GoMCon Program Committee invites you to submit an abstract for a presentation that promotes the integration of science and management into decision-making. The deadline for abstract submissions is Nov. 12, 2021. Learn More and submit and abstract at web.cvent.com.

Keep Texas Beautiful Fall Sweep continues through November 20

Keep Texas Beautiful’s annual Fall Sweep program is underway through Nov. 20, 2021. Volunteers interested in participating in the annual statewide cleanup event can visit KTB’s Events Calendar to find a location near them. The KTB Fall Sweep is a program to support the efforts of KTB Affiliates, nonprofits, volunteers, corporations, scout groups, and other community groups to organize fall cleanups and beautification projects. Registered participants will have access to an online event toolkit and receive trash bags and other cleanup supplies. Find full details at ktb.org.

Lights Out, Houston!

Through Nov. 30, 2021, Houston Audubon invites the public to participate in Lights Out, Houston for the fall migration season. Houston Audubon’s Lights Out for Birds Program, part of Lights Out Texas. Turn your non-essential, exterior lights off from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. throughout spring and fall migrations, especially during peak migration, which continues through October 29. Learn more at houstonaudublog.org.

Reminders About Ongoing Opportunities

  • Take Care of Texas Video Contest. Texas students in grades 6 – 12 are invited to create a 30-second video about how they take care of the environment, using data from its website. Participating students must upload their entry on or before 4 p.m. CST Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, with the required documents. Find the full contest rules and other important information at takecareoftexas.org.
  • Living the Change Discussion Group. Through Dec. 14, 2021, the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston is hosting a weekly virtual discussion group in which participants can consider how they can reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to energy, transportation and food, based on the Walk on Earth Gently principles. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.
  • Your Body Your Air. The Houston Public Library invites you to learn about types and sources of air pollution in Houston and the effect they have on our bodies in The Health Museum’s new exhibit Your Body Your Air. Created in partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund, Your Body Your Air can be seen at various Houston Public Library locations through February 2022. Learn more at houstonlibrary.org.

TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife

Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3 p.m. each Saturday and on municipal access cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park, Houston, Texas City, Galveston, Nassau Bay, Pasadena, Seabrook, Sugar Land, and on HCC TV. More info on the TPWD website (* indicates a segment about the Houston area). For a preview, visit TPWD’s YouTube Page.

  • The Davis Mountains have some of the best views in the world for stargazing. Meet an astronomer working to keep away light pollution and protect the dark skies of West Texas
  • Meet some neighbors who team up for turkey work. The Brushy Creek Co-op in East Texas consists of over 10,000 acres that provide habitat for Eastern wild turkey, helping restore the birds in East Texas
  • From his youth as a migrant worker, a man cultivates his passion for nature into a career as an outdoor artist. Meet Clemente Guzman, whose personal story is as inspiring as his artwork
  • A copperhead slithering around your backyard is just about the last thing you would want to run into. Well, imagine hundreds of copperheads spreading across your back forty. That’s exactly what’s happening to one Texas landowner. He used to eliminate them, but now he saves the snakes for science

Additional Upcoming Events

Check out the latest Green Jobs at cechouston.org/green-jobs/.