To start, a fact.
More than half of the Texas coast erodes at a rate of roughly six feet per year, according to the Coastal Restoration Toolkit. Part of this erosion is natural—perfectly so, even—as the constant motion of the ocean (had to do it, sorry) redistributes sediment and nourishes beaches throughout the Gulf. That said, a much larger part of the degradation is due to human activity, both on the shoreline and at sea. And while Houston isn’t on the shore, much of our region’s economic and recreational vitality is owed to its proximity to a healthy, thriving coastline.
This and many other issues such as water quality and flood mitigation will form the content of the upcoming 11th Annual Empower Houston's Future: 2024 Greater Houston Environmental Summit. The event, organized by the Citizens' Environmental Coalition, affords Gators and the community writ large the chance to interact with environmental experts, learn sustainability strategies, and collaborate with others to prevent environmental degradation.
The proceedings take place from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 18, at the Fondren Commons within the College of Sciences & Technology (CST), and will give attendees the chance to learn actionable solutions, participate in workshops, and network with local and state leaders. As befitting the event, all sessions are in the CST, a LEED Gold-certified building.
Dr. Lisa Morano, Director of the Center for Urban Agriculture and Sustainability at UHD, said the summit is indicative of the university’s commitment to addressing local and global environmental concerns and student success. “Exposing students to real-life issues helps provide context for what they’re learning, and it introduces them to valuable connections in the local environmental community,” she said. “Hosting the summit on campus is an honor—we get to show off our campus, of course, but in doing so we are driving change and commitment to sustainability in the Houston region.”
Attendees include Lisa Lin, Director of Sustainability Harris County, Dr. Stephen Linder, Director Institute of Health Policy, UT School of Public Health, and Mandi Siebels, Senior Division Manager, City of Houston Public Works Department, Water Division.
Student tickets to the event cost $49, and student volunteers receive free admission. Students who want to volunteer & receive free admission, please email [email protected].
Click the button below for a full event schedule, registration information, and a list of the environmental leaders who will attend.
Greater Houston Environmental Summit