Researchers from three University of Texas colleges – the Jackson School of Geosciences, LBJ School of Public Affairs, and the School of Architecture – have received $1.5 million from the federal government to gather community-scale data on extreme weather and climate change. The data will be used to build advanced models that show patterns of extreme weather around Austin’s neighborhoods, environmental stressors involved in extreme weather, and impacts on communities. City government and community groups will be able to co-design strategies and investments informed by the data. During prepared remarks announcing the research, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, who helped secure initial approval for the funding, pointed toward efforts like the Austin Climate Equity Plan as important to help identify future strategies to make the city more resilient to the effects of extreme weather.
Chad Swiatecki is a 20-year journalist who relocated to Austin from his home state of Michigan in 2008. He most enjoys covering the intersection of arts, business and local/state politics. He has written... More by Chad Swiatecki