Facing the Future: Climate Preparedness in San Antonio, Texas

The climate is changing, weather is getting increasingly unpredictable – so what can we do about it? The City of San Antonio has a few ideas. Join our hosts, Robert and Carrie, for a discussion with Douglas Melnick, the Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of San Antonio, about how the South Texas city is preparing for the changing climate.

Our co-hosts bring you the latest climate news covering several topics:  

• Water Planning Under Deep Uncertainty: Robert unpacks his latest Hotter Than a Habanero blog post about water planning during climate change. (02:04)

• Cheap Housing Boom, Pricey Water Deficits: How Kyle, Texas is the canary in the coal mine for Central Texas water use. (05:09)

• Misquoted: Robert sets the record straight about his prediction for the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer. (7:51)

Douglas Melnick takes us through the key aspects of a comprehensive Climate Ready action plan:

• ‘Climate Ready’ is Changing, too: Being ‘climate ready’ meant something different just a few years ago. Doug outlines the recent developments. (11:51)

• Defining Challenges: How can communities frame their conversations about climate change?  (14:31)

• Equity for Frontline Communities: Find out how the City of San Antonio is centering equity in their action plan to prioritize these communities. (17:02)

• Using Water and Saving Water: San Antonio is an international leader in water conservation, but how are they handling growth and disproportionate usage? (19:27)

• Campaigning for Climate Change: How community partnerships key for increasing community climate literacy and awareness on a budget. (21:27)

• The Tip of the Iceberg is Looking Bright: Doug shares the top wins of the Climate Ready action plan since 2019. (23:43)

• Slow Work with High ROI: Get inspiration and advice for your community and hear how climate planning makes long-term financial sense. (25:46)

And…THE GOOD NEWS!

• The Future of Energy is Upon Us: Robert shares wisdom from an “Aggie Futurist,” and explores a future where power is plentiful. (30:24)

• Texas CHILI (No Beans Allowed): Find out how Texas CHILI “backronym” relates to carbon solutions. (35:10)

Episode Links and Resources:

• City of San Antonio Office of Sustainability

• SA Climate Ready Action Plan

• Take the Climate Ready pledge

• Forecasting the Unpredictable: Water Planning Under Deep Uncertainty (Hotter than a Habanero)

• Hot, Dry, and Booming: A Texas Climate Case Study (Wall Street Journal)

• The exponential growth of solar power will change the world (The Economist)

• Clean energy’s next trillion-dollar business (The Economist)

• Texas Innovates Launches CHILI Program with 10 Groundbreaking Companies During Houston Climate Week

Theme song:

Syzygy by Robert E. Mace

We would like to thank pixabay.com for providing sounds effects.

For more information about the Meadows Center, visit ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.