Addressing Climate Change Challenges

from AustinNotes

The public is invited to help shape Austin’s community response to climate change for the next 40 years at a workshop at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center.

Participants will receive an overview of the work done on the Community Climate Action Plan and discuss the next steps of the process. Groups will divide by resource area -- such as transportation or energy -- to discuss how objectives developed earlier this year can evolve into tangible actions for the community to take to fulfill the goal.

“We need your help to reach this goal by participating in the continued development of the Austin Community Climate Action Plan,” said Mayor Lee Leffingwell. “This plan has to come directly from the community and be one that the community is prepared to implement -- in partnership with the City of Austin. Addressing climate change is one of the most critical challenges of our generation, and I know the citizens of Austin are up to the task.”

More than 100 community leaders met in March to address the serious and growing challenges that climate change presents. During a two-day session, participants agreed to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 through creating an integrated, affordable green lifestyle that supports the local economy and is accessible to all.

Every step the community takes towards being environmentally responsible, from regional planning to indoor air quality, is a step towards helping climate change.

The Mexican American Cultural Center is at 600 River St. in Downtown Austin.

Contact: Marc Coudert, Austin Climate Protection Program, (512) 322-6105