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In this episode, we learn how Texas funds projects that give floodwaters room to flow safely, and what Texans need to know to prepare for flooding. Join our host Carrie Thompson as she walks through water planning with Reem Zoun, the Assistant Deputy Administrator at the Texas Water Development Board!    Today’s Guest: Reem Zoun, Assistant Deputy Executive Administrator of the Office of Planning at the Texas Water Development Board (02:45)    Reem Shares Why the Texas State Flood Plan is a Big Deal (06:45)  Bottom-Up Approach is Key: Reem explains that local trust is a form of networking essential to planning. (07:45)  The Fall & Rise of the 15 Regions: Reem breaks down the 15 planning regions, their interests and roles, and their rough start. (09:12)  The Statewide Plan Texans Need to Hear: Reem outlines the two focuses of the flood planning effort and 11 types of recommendations for Texans to become more knowledgeable about flood hazards. (12:59)  Water is Apartment Hunting but Who’s the Guarantor?: Reem brings attention to water needing space to flow freely and shares the types of funding to make it happen. (16:56)  550+ Meetings, 2 Years, 1 Plan: Reem spills the beans on the first two cycles of the upcoming plans for the Texas Water Development Board. (21:17)  Don’t Get FOMO – Get Involved: Reem shares the many ways locals can participate in the water plans for their community. (23:14)  The Main Takeaway: Reem offers one final piece of advice and one important warning for Texans to take home. (23:48)  But Wait- There's More!: Robert joins us to share some details about floodplains. (25:38)    Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next: Flash Flooding with the man that literally wrote the book on Flash Floods in Texas. Episode Links and Resources:   Texas Water Development Board  Theme song: Uma Theramin by Robert E. Mace    Learn more about the Meadows Center at ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.

How should you prepare for flood season? In this episode, we learn about the different types of flooding, why floods can happen even during drought, and the measures being taken to understand and reduce flood risk across Texas. Join our hosts, Robert and Carrie, as they discuss current flood management with the Directors of the Texas Floodplain Management Association (TFMA), Stephanie Griffin and Chris Steubing!     Today’s Guests: Stephanie Griffin, President of TFMA and Vice President & Director of Water Resources at Halff, and Christopher Steubing, Executive Director of TFMA. (05:50)    Stephanie and Chris Give Us the 411 on Flooding 101 (07:00)  Texas’ Front Runners for Flood Management: Stephanie gives us the rundown on TFMA’s mission, while Chris explains how the organization promotes flood protection, resilience, and mitigation across Texas. (07:14)  A Flood’s Opening Act: DROUGHT! Stephanie gives examples of what makes a flood and how it goes hand in hand with its natural disaster counterpart. (08:45)  What’s your flood type? Stephanie breaks down the different types of flooding, while Chris details which ones you shouldn’t underestimate! (10:49)  Floodplain Fine Print: Stephanie exposes what those living in floodplain areas face, especially when it comes to FEMA.  (14:41)  Keeping up with the Crises: Chris explains how 3D modeling can help us better prepare for future flooding. (19:02)  Atlas 14, a Has-Been's Comeback: Stephanie shares the role Atlas 14 plays in flood prevention, and Chris shares its history and why it needs an update! (21:59)  Texans, LISTEN UP! Stephanie and Chris share what they hope listeners take away from the conversation, especially for those who reside in Texas. (24:25)   Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next: Flood planning with Reem Zoun at the Texas Water Development Board!  Episode Links and Resources:   Halff | Award-Winning Infrastructure Consulting Firm  Texas Floodplain Management Association  NOAA Atlas 14  Why Harris County Had 31 100-Year Floods in 100 Years  Theme song: Uma Theramin by Robert E. Mace    Learn more about the Meadows Center at ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.

What happens when water is produced at the same time as oil is produced? In this episode, we explore how desalination applies to water pumped from oil wells. Join our hosts, Robert and Sarah, as they discuss the details about produced water with Texas Produced Water Consortium experts Shane Walker and Wrye Mauldiin.  Today’s Guests: Shane Walker, Director of the Texas Produced Water Consortium at Texas Tech, and Wrye Mauldiin, Project Manager for the Texas Produced Water Consortium at Texas Tech  Robert introduces Shane Walker (04:53)  Sarah Introduces Wrye Mauldiin (05:43)  First Up, Let’s Get into Some Q&A with Shane and Wrye! Sarah kicks off with the most simple and complex question, “What is produced water?” (06:42)  Robert asks on the behalf of peers, “How much produced water is there in the state of Texas?” (08:04)  Sarah wants to know “Why are people concerned about produced water?” (10:15)  Robert shares his technical term crunchy water, so he asks, “what are we talking about in terms of saltiness?” (12:17)  Roberts wonders if “earthquakes are a threat if there’s no place to put the water?” (12:52)  Robert asks “[what is the objective] of the produced consortium?” (13:50)  Shane and Wrye Give Us the Dish on All Things Produced Water: Sea Water Salinity vs. Produced Water Salinity: Shane confirms to Robert the statistics of the range of drinkable water in Texas. (17:10)  The Aftermath of Purification: Shane breaks down the possibilities for municipal uses of produced water. (18:41)  Producing Water in a Surface Stream...oh, What Could Go Wrong?: Shane points out the potential issues in produced water operations in Texas. (21:30)   The Future of the Consortium: Shane shares the upcoming plans that the consortium teams and the TCEQ have in store. (25:06)  Wrye’s Hot Take: Wrye expresses her goal for water reuse from an agricultural point of view. (27:19)  Episode Links and Resources:   Texas Produced Water Consortium  Texas Commission of Enviornmental Quality  Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace    We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects.  Learn more about the Meadows Center at ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.

What will be put in place concerning the Texas water fund this year? In this episode, we explore existing memberships, conversations, and funding related to the Texas water supply. Join our hosts, Robert and Carrie, as they discuss current legislation regarding the water districts in Texas with Sarah Kirkle of the Texas Water Association.    First up, a little Q&A (01:55)     Carol Peters wants to know, is it true that local data centers will be using a lot of water as well as electricity? (02:03)  Richard Lendly wonders how the current wave of deep budget cuts will impact “innovation and water supplies,” and [this] show which gets money from “NOAA” also concerned about schemes for moving large quantities of water across regions and even between states. (05:55)  Today’s Guest: Sarah Kirkle, Director of policy and legislative affairs at Texas Water Association (11:35)  Carrie Thompson introduces our guest (12:40)  Sarah Kirkle shares water initiatives happening in Texas this year:  The Big Ten: Sarah outlines various types of members of the Texas Water Association (TWA) and those who support their work. (14:13)  Desalination in the HOUSE: Find out why investment in water infrastructure became TWA’s main priority. (16:58)  The Big Splash: Sarah spills about how the 89th Legislative Session was the biggest water session in Texas history, 30 years in the making. (20:20)  Signaling Around Water Transport: Conversations about the need for strategic pipelining and its impact. (32:37)  The Real Work of River Authority: Sarah sets the record straight on the real role of water entities and how they fit into disaster response and emergency management for natural disasters in Texas. (36:35)  The Dish on House Bill 1400: Sarah breaks down the budget and improvements for groundwater conservation districts outlined in HB 1400. (38:14) And Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next!  Next Season: Join Robert and Carrie for a new season of Come Heck or Hot Water, focusing on factors, futures, and fundamentals of flooding in Texas.  Episode Links and Resources:   Texas Water Association  The 89th Texas legislature  HB 1400  Texas Desalination Association  Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace    We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects.  Learn more about the Meadows Center at ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.

Is desalination the wave of the future in the Texas economy? In this episode, we dive into the challenges, benefits, and potential place for desalination in the Texas economy. Join our hosts Robert and Carrie as they discuss the economic considerations in relation to desalination with Gabe Collins of Rice University.  Today’s Guest: Gabe Collins, Baker Botts Fellow in Energy & Environmental Regulatory Affairs at Rice University’s Baker Institute.  Gabe Collins explores the economic considerations of desalination in Texas:   A Natural Commodity: Gabe outlines his entry into water law, economics, and desalination. (05:00)  “Whoa! That’s expensive!” this first-blush response is correct but evolving. (06:28)  An emerging global player: Desalination is a small contender in the global economy, but “poised for significant growth.” (08:18)  Tapped Out or Tapping In? Desalination as a means of supply diversification for communities with dwindling water resources (10:27)  The Cutting Edge: Gabe offers a two-part timeline for the water outlook for Texas water infrastructure. (12:25)  At the wellhead: Gabe and Robert discuss cost and infrastructure challenges of desalination. (16:10)  And Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next!  Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a season review and discussion on the outlook for desalination in Texas.  Episode Links and Resources:   Prospective Costs and Consequences of Insufficient Water Infrastructure Investment in Texas  Texas 2036  Texas Desalination Association  Submit a question to the pod!  Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace    We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects.  Learn more about the Meadows Center at ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.

Could desalination actually help or hurt coastal environments? In this episode, we uncover the secret life of bays, estuaries, and the critters that call them home. Plus — what could desalination mean for our salty ecosystems? Join our hosts Robert and Carrie as they discuss the ecology of bays and estuaries in relation to desalination with Paul Montagna of Harte Research Institute.    Got a question for Robert and Carrie? Submit it here—we might answer it on the show!    First up, it’s the Pop Quiz (02:10)     Last episode, Bill Norris and I coined the “Hydro-illogical cycle;” what did we mean by that?   A) Constructing desalination facilities is most expensive in times of drought vs times of ample water  B) Heavy rains and flooding do not necessarily end drought  C) More rain can mean more runoff, resulting in increased pollution of our waterways  Today’s Keywords: (04:34)  Discharge Point: the pipe where the wastewater (brine concentrate) from desalination is released into surrounding water bodies (such as bays or estuaries)  Non-point Source Pollution: pollutants that enter water bodies from diffuse sources rather than singular identifiable sources (fertilizer runoff, litter, etc.)  Benthic/Benthos: describes anything associated with or occurring on the bottom of a body of water.  Today’s Guest: Paul Montagna, Endowed Chair for HydroEcology at Harte Research Institute at TAMU-CC  Robert Mace introduces our guest (07:44)  Paul Montagna explores the ecological impacts of desalination:   Waving the Book: Paul discusses his latest written work, Freshwater Inflows to Texas Bays and Estuaries (GO READ IT!!!). (09:27)  River Systems Breakdown: What is considered a bay vs estuary, and how do they connect inland water bodies to the coast? (11:50)  Nutrient-Rich Nursery Grounds: How coastal regions contribute to safe breeding grounds. (13:50)  Bay-stuary Stressors: Paul outlines several integrated factors threatening the health of coastal habitats. (17:45)  Combined Priorities: "They care as much as we do,” learn how desalination plant designs often align with environmental priorities. (24:50)  Environmental Benefits of Desal: Can desalination replenish other environmental flows? (32:04)  And Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next!  Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a discussion about economic considerations of desalination with Gabe Collins of Rice University.  Episode Links and Resources:   Freshwater Inflows to Texas Bays and Estuaries  Texas Desalination Association  Submit a question to the pod!  Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace    We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects.  Learn more about the Meadows Center at ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.

What if the future of Texas’ water supply came from the ocean? In this episode, join hosts Carrie and Robert as they sit down with Bill Norris, President of the Texas Desalination Association, to explore how desalination could change the game for the Texas water supply. From the significance of Senate Bill 7 to the potential of seawater plants, we unpack the big moves happening behind the scenes. Don’t miss this fascinating dive into Texas’ water future.    Got a question for Robert and Carrie? Submit it here—we might answer it on the show!    First up, it’s the Pop Quiz (02:47)     In the last episode, Lihy Teuerstein mentioned that IDE Technologies is able to recover up to what percentage of water during the desalination process?   a) 85-87%  b) 90-94%  c) 95-98%  Today’s Keywords: (04:20)  TDS: Total Dissolved Solids (total concentration of dissolved “stuff” in water)  Blended Cost: When a water supply comes from several different sources, and the price reflects the combined price points of the separate sources.   Texas Legislative Session: The Texas Legislature meets every two years.  Today’s Guest: Bill Norris of Norris Water LLC and president of the Texas Desalination Association  Robert Mace introduces our guest (07:13)  Bill Norris explores the viability of desalination as a new water source for Texans:   From “Square” to “Flare:” Bill shares the history and overview of the Texas Desalination Association and how current bills are shaping up. (08:40)  Funding the Future: Understand the Texas Water Fund’s role in water planning and the future of desalination. (14:20)  The “Hydro-Illogical” Cycle: Explore the shifts in attitudes about desalination in the Lone Star State. (17:58)  Cost/Benefit Analysis: What is a blended cost, and how can this reduce sticker shock for communities looking to implement desalination? (22:40)  Better Late than Never: Despite decades of delay, Bill has a positive outlook for implementation. (25:27)  Taking Notes: How can Texas learn from other countries about managing desalination? (28:58)  And Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next!  Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a discussion about the ecological considerations of desalination with Paul Montagna.  Episode Links and Resources:   lege+water  Texas Legislature Bill Search  Norris Water LLC  Texas Desalination Association  Submit a question to the pod!  Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace    We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects.  Learn more about the Meadows Center at ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.

Water scarcity is no joke—especially in Texas. But what if the Lone Star State could take a page from Israel’s playbook? Join our hosts, Robert and Carrie, as they sit down with Lihy Teuerstein and Mark Ellison of IDE Technologies. Lihy and Mark break down the similarities and differences between Israeli and Texan desalination operations and introduce us to the environmental benefits of desalination.     Got a question for Robert and Carrie? Submit it here—we might answer it on the show!    First up, it’s the Pop Quiz (01:45)     In the last episode, Robert mentioned that Texas has one of the longest-running desalination plants in the United States. Which Texas city is it located in?   A) Corpus Christi  B) Muleshoe  C) El Paso  D) South Padre  E) Dell City  Today’s Keywords: (03:11)  Water Supply: the process of providing water to communities  Water Security: the ability of a community to access safe, affordable, and reliable water for its needs  Drought: a lack of precipitation or water over an extended period of time, resulting in a water shortage  Today’s Guests: Lihy Teuerstein and Mark Ellison from IDE Technologies  Carrie Thompson introduces our guests (04:06)  Lihy and Mark explore the benefits of bringing Israeli technology to Texas:   Israel’s Leading Innovations: Lihy explains groundbreaking tech that gives Israeli desalination its edge. (05:44)  Toward the Texas Miracle (Responsibly): Mark outlines how desalination can help the state meet growing water demands (10:57)  Putting the Water Where Our Mouths Are: What goes into selecting a desalination site? (13:33)  Herding the Cats: Lihy explains the Israeli water grid in comparison to Texas water policy (16:53)  From Sea to Shining Stream: How seawater desalination can replenish resources. (20:43)  The Recovery Ratio: Explore the exciting new technologies making desalination more sustainable. (23:03)  From Drying to Thriving: Mark shares a vision of Texas water security, and the role desalination could play. (25:27)  And Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next! Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a discussion about policy and desalination in Texas.  Episode Links and Resources:   IDE Technologies  Texas Desalination Association  NaCl (Sodium Chloride)  Submit a question to the pod!  Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace    We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects.  Learn more about the Meadows Center at ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.

Welcome to season three of Come Heck or Hot Water (formerly Fahrenheit 140)! As changes in climate put strains on our natural resources, we’ve decided to take a deep dive into one possible solution for resilience and long-term sustainability. Join our hosts, Robert and Carrie, for an overview of seawater desalination. In this episode, Dr. Robert E. Mace explains the ins and outs of this agent of resilience.     Got a question for Robert and Carrie? Submit it here!    First up, we have a big announcement:     New name, slightly different format, same great content (00:29)  Season 3 Overview (03:28)  Today’s Guest: Dr. Robert E. Mace  Carrie Thompson re-introduces Dr. Robert E. Mace (04:35)  Today’s Keywords: (06:37)  Desalination: The process of removing “stuff” dissolved in water.  Brine Concentrate: The salty waste byproduct of desalination.  Brackish Groundwater: Water in aquifers that is not fresh.  PFAS: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance, aka “forever chemicals”  Freshwater: Generally defined as water with less than 1,000 parts per million of “stuff” dissolved in it.  Today’s Pop Quiz:  Where can our listeners submit a question to the podcast?  A) the link at the bottom of the e-newsletter  B) the link in our show notes  C) email us directly at [email protected]  D) All of the above  Dr. Robert Mace takes us inside seawater desalination:   The State of Freshwater: Dig into the factors impacting freshwater resources around the globe. (11:13)  Resilience and Reliability: We need to find “a lot more water,” so where can we find it? (14:46)  De-STUFF-ication: The history, process, and methods of seawater desalination. (16:53)  What’s the whine about the brine? Explore the issues around the waste byproduct of the desalination process at home and at scale. (19:33)  Powering the Process: The energy and economic realities of seawater desalination. (24:12)  Who gets the water? If there’s no or low water...does it go to people or the environment? (27:43)  And... DON’T MISS OUT!  Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a discussion with IDE Technologies about desalination efforts underway in Israel and Texas. (30:24)  Episode Links and Resources:   Texas Desalination Association  Submit a question to the pod!  Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace    We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects.  For more information about the Meadows Center, visit ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.

Welcome to Come Heck or Hot Water (formerly Fahrenheit 140) - where we dive into the science, and solutions shaping climate resilience efforts. In every episode, we’ll explore the science driving change, and the innovations reshaping how we live, work, and sustain our planet. We’ll break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how you can be part of the solution. In Season 3, we’re diving into the ins and outs of seawater desalination. We’ll uncover what this promising could mean for our future water security. It’s time to face to face the heat, and make a difference—together.

We’re back with more bonus content to get you through the holidays! Join season two, episode 5 guest, Dr. Soe Myint, as he explores his research on remote water sensing issues and solutions in his Blue Bag Lunch and Learn presentation from March 2023. As the climate becomes more unpredictable, Dr. Myint explores behaviors and strategies for building climate resilience.  Listen along as Dr. Myint shares his findings...  Introducing the Research: Dr. Myint outlines his presentation on several key research areas. (04:17)  Examining Ecosystem Health and Sustainability of Coastal Environments: How mangrove forestation declines affect carbon sequestration in coastal regions. (05:21)  Ground and Surface Water Changes: Explore the dynamics influencing water changes in Canada. (10:23)  Social Inequity and Environmental Justice: Dr. Myint’s studies reveal socioeconomic disparities in climate effect alleviation. (17:33)  Water Use and Drought in the Lower Mekong Basin: Explore annual water use variations across several climates and elevations in the region. (26:53)  Agriculture vs. Water Conservation: Which crops are most susceptible to drought, and what practices can be used to mitigate water consumption in agriculture? (30:45)  Spatial Optimization Model to Confront the Trade-off Between Water Conservation and Heat Alleviation: This NASA funded project explores the relationship between heat alleviation and green infrastructure in relation to water consumption. (35:35)  Sign up for our newsletter and look for more bonus content as we take a brief season hiatus! We’ll be back in February with fresh content, so follow us on social media and stay tuned!  Episode Links and Resources:  Full Presentation Recording  Blue Bag Lunch & Learn Playlist  Dr. Myint’s Texas State University Faculty Profile  Join our newsletter for updates, bonus content, and audience polls!    Theme song:   Syzygy by Robert E. Mace    We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects.

This month, we’re delivering the bonus content you deserve! Join our host, Dr. Robert Mace, as he explores his research on how rainwater harvesting can be a viable alternative to conventional water sources. As our water sources are increasingly strained, you can rely on Fahrenheit 140 for creative ideas to keep your taps running!  Listen along as Robert shares his findings...  Introducing the Research: Robert outlines his study and introduces the RAINFAL spreadsheet tool along with his co-researcher, Ricardo Briones. (01:00)  What is Rainwater Harvesting? Man-made catchments provide potable volumes. (03:35)  Is Rainwater Reliable? How is reliability defined, and how can rainwater enter strategic water planning? (06:55)  Uses and Losses: What differences exist between reservoirs and tanks? (10:36)  If it quacks like conservation... Robert explores water supplies in times of drought. (12:31)  Sizing it Up: Tank calculation for gauging appropriate storage needs (16:50)  Revisiting Firm Yields: Robert makes his data dreams come true by revisiting the research and minimizing “tankziety.” (19:32)  Step #1 Find a Grad Student: Calculating firm yield with an extra set of brains. (22:25)  RAINFAL: Firm yield calculations made easy with this spreadsheet tool. (23:10)  Size Matters: Robert and Ricardo use RAINFAL to find the roof and tank size ratio needed in your area. (35:28)  Different Droughts for Different Spouts: How areas respond to drought differently, affecting storage and catchment needs for firm yield. (41:51)  Stealing or Storing? Robert debunks a common rainwater harvesting myth. (43:51)  Conclusions: Can Rainwater Harvesting work for you, your city, and your state? (45:47)  Sign up for our newsletter and look for more bonus content as we take a brief season hiatus! We’ll be back in February with fresh content, so follow us on social media and stay tuned!  Episode Links and Resources:  Full Presentation Recording  Blue Bag Lunch & Learn Playlist  The Firm Yield of Rainwater Harvesting in Texas (Meadows Center)  From Sky to Supply: The Hidden Potential of Rainwater Harvesting for Texas’ Water Future (Meadows Center Annual Report)  Hotter than a Habanero Climate Blog  Join our newsletter for updates, bonus content, and audience polls!      Theme song:    Syzygy by Robert E. Mace     We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects.  For more information about the Meadows Center, visit ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.

This month, you asked the questions, and our cohosts delivered!  Join our hosts, Carrie and Robert, as they tackle listener-submitted questions, debunk common climate myths, and share highlights from season two. With producers Anna and Sarah along for the ride, it’s an episode packed with insights, surprises, and even a first-ever Pop Quiz that puts our experts to the test!  Up first, Carrie and Robert unpack season two of Fahrenheit 140, dishing on their favorite season highs and lows. Then, the quiz begins—will they rise to the occasion or get stumped by Anna and Sarah’s trickiest questions? (06:08, 12:02)  Listen along as Robert and Carrie answer your questions about…  The Greenhouse Gas Effect: Robert explains how certain gasses trap heat. (17:15)  Resiliency planning: Do you have to believe in climate change to plan ahead? (18:25)  Can we slow it down? Is halting climate change possible, or are we just slowing the inevitable? (19:30)  Can Earth heal itself? Carrie discusses the Gaia Hypothesis and the problems our planet faces. (22:04)  Hurricanes and…toilets? Robert demystifies the Coriolis Effect. (24:36)  Glaciers and Pathogens on Doomsday: Which will affect us first: ancient pathogens or major sea-level rise? (25:38)  Responsible Cat Management: If cats are liquids, how do we plan for cat resiliency? (27:44)  …and bust these myths:  Is it the Sun’s fault? Carrie and Robert tackle the real cause of rising temperatures. (030:02)  What’s the deal with Chemtrails? Could jet planes actually help cool the planet? (31:00)  Natural Variability: Carrie and Robert unpack the data. (32:50)  The dreaded “Tipping Point:” Are we nearing this often-mentioned threshold? (34:25)    Sign up for our newsletter and look for more bonus content as we take a brief season hiatus! We’ll be back in February with more content, so make sure to follow us on social media and stay tuned! (And don’t forget to vote!)    Episode Links and Resources:  Global Warming is Not Part of Natural Climate Variability (Scientific American)  Climate Variability vs. Climate Change (University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership)  Yes, Cats are Liquids Only in One Dimension (Science.Org)  How would sea level change if all glaciers melted? (USGS)  Join our newsletter for updates, bonus content, and audience polls!      Theme song:    Syzygy by Robert E. Mace    We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects.  For more information about the Meadows Center, visit ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.

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.

What is urban greening, why does it matter, and which communities are at risk? What is the balance between water conservation and urban tree canopies? Join our hosts, Robert and Carrie, for a discussion with Dr. Soe Myint about his latest research on water conservation, urban greening, and environmental justice.    Our co-hosts bring you the latest climate news covering several topics:     Update on Texas waterways Moving Soon? Discover which cities are most climate resilient and which ones are leaving homeowners to fend for themselves. (02:03)  Melting Glaciers: Swiss mountain glaciers are melting at twice the rate of the global average. (03:29)  From Toilet to Tap: El Paso is leading Texas in creative water conservation efforts. (05:48)  Can Volcanoes Chill? An eruption in the Polynesian Islands is stirring the climate science community. (08:10)    Dr. Soe Myint, Chief Conservation Officer for the Meadows Center and Meadows Endowed Chair in Water Conservation, explains how water conservation, urban cooling, environmental justice, and trees are all connected:   Heat is the #1 Killer: While populations skyrocket, the urban heat island effect is hitting underserved communities hardest. (10:48)  Beyond Throwing Shade: Dr. Myint explains how trees provide more than just a perfect picnic spot. (15:28)  Trees vs. Water: Watering trees can actually support conservation efforts and improve water quality. Here’s how. (16:14)  Are trees nature’s AC? What on earth is evapotranspiration, and how is it cooling your city? (16:41)  Is Your Community at Risk? Dr. Myint breaks down the factors that put certain populations at greater risk of heat-related health events. (17:34)  Run, Don’t Walk! Central Texas urgently needs climate resilience planning—yesterday! (24:10)  Use Water to Save Water: Dr. Myint unpacks the science behind his catchphrase. (25:54)     And…THE GOOD NEWS!   Texas > California: Texas is taking the lead on green energy in the U.S. (26:50)  Baby Sharks Doo Doo: Galveston Bay becomes a shark nursery. (30:06)  Episode Links and Resources:   Dr. Soe Myint Published Research  Our top-ranking cities for climate resiliency: 2024 study (USA Today)  Why melting glaciers affect us all (Swiss Info)  El Paso Reuses Every Drop of Water It Can. The Rest of Texas Could Heed the Lesson. (Texas Monthly)  The Hunga Tonga Volcano Was Blamed for High Global Temperatures in Recent Years – Now Scientists Aren't So Sure  Can Blue States Build? (The Atlantic)  Galveston Bay sees 600% increase in baby bull sharks as climate change warms coastal waters (Houston Chronicle)  Green Infrastructure Resources:  Environmetal Protection Agency: Green Infrastructure Funding Opportunities  Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Texas Green Infrastructure Resources  Texas Water Development Board: Green Project Reserve    Theme song:    Syzygy by Robert E. Mace    We would like to thank pixabay.com for providing sound effects.  For more information about the Meadows Center, visit ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.