Climate Resilience, Civil Society and Disruptive Change

Hosted By the Green Building Resource Center

Tuesday, September 25th, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

1002 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas 77002

Presented by the University of Texas – Arlington’s Zero Waste Network in cooperation with the US Environmental Protection Agency, Earth Day ATX, Public Citizen, GBRC and A Nurtured World.

What if disasters were our biggest opportunity to rebuild society in a sustainable and equitable way? The latest models for the Texas coast predict changes that will affect our lives, and the way we plan for the future. This workshop will focus on the opportunities to engage powerfully in one of the most important issues of our time. We will also explore the unique disruptive opportunities for change. For over a decade the Zero Waste Network has been training individuals and organizations save money, protect the environment, and improve resilience and preparedness in the face of an uncertain future. Working in partnership with state agencies, the federal government, universities and non-profits we helped develop a series of trainings to help individuals: 1) Identify the key environmental issues that affect them; 2) Reduce their impact; 3) Save money; 4) Improve quality of life.

Attendees report significant savings and environmental improvements:

Learn how your spending and environmental impacts are connected, so you can save money. Develop strategies to build your personal resilience and preparedness for the future. Participants report saving an average of $2,700 per year and up to $20,000 per year. The average participant drops their electricity use by 15% and 5 tons of carbon dioxide each year.

Topics Covered at the Training:

• Climate Change Effects for Central Texas Region – Learn how the climate is expected to change and what it means to you, as well as how local governments are planning for changes in rainfall, heat and extreme weather events.
• Planning for Resilience – How the region is planning for changes in rainfall, heat, and extreme weather events. Learn decisions you can make today to plan for the future.
• Hear the lived experiences of people impacted by extreme weather events
• Explore the question: What if disasters were our biggest opportunities for building better communities? Utilizing disruptive market techniques to promote sustainable, equitable and profitable solutions for the community.
• Your choices and the Environment – Discover which actions you take that have the biggest environmental impact, and how small changes can make a big difference for you, and the environment.
• Saving Money, Protecting the Environment – Proven techniques to reduce your monthly bills by reducing your use of electricity, gasoline, water and disposal of waste.
• Prosperity and Environment – What is important to you and how does your interaction with the environment help or hinder you from living the life you want.

The latest models for the Austin climate predict changes that will affect our lives, and the way we plan for the future. This workshop will focus on the affects, and help you plan ahead.