Chihuahuan Desert Climate Collaborative: Empowering El Paso Communities for Climate Action
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The climate crisis poses unprecedented challenges, with the physical impacts of climate change becoming increasingly severe. Unpredictable weather events such as severe flooding, devastating wildfires, and extreme heatwaves have become more frequent, resulting in loss of life and property. Addressing these risks demands robust and inclusive climate action plans. In this session, we will explore the development of El Paso's first Climate Action Plan. This initiative utilizes the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) to foster regional collaboration and build capacity for climate action. The collaborative approach includes a diverse range of stakeholders—from local governments and NGOs to academics and community organizations—to create a comprehensive and effective plan. Presenters: Representatives from the City of El Paso's Office of Climate and Sustainability and AECOM's Climate Advisory Service will share their experiences in developing this Climate Action Plan. They will discuss the challenges and successes of building a regional effort that integrates climate action with community empowerment and resilience. Session Objectives: Innovative Strategies for a Desert City: Explore how El Paso develops climate action strategies tailored to the unique environmental context of a desert region, focusing on the Chihuahuan Desert's specific challenges. Bi-national Collaboration: Highlight El Paso's approach to creating a comprehensive climate plan in a region with significant bi-national ties, emphasizing cross-border collaboration. Leveraging CPRG Funds: Explain how the CPRG funding supports the creation of a Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP), a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP), and a Status Report for the EPA. Community Engagement and Empowerment: This session will discuss El Paso's efforts to empower communities through programs like the Paso Del Norte Fellowship, designed to facilitate conversations in hard-to-reach areas. It will also explore how El Paso reaches the "missing middle," engaging communities through promotors and other grassroots methods to ensure climate action is community-driven and addresses local needs. Who Should Attend: This session is intended for anyone involved in climate action, including local government officials, NGO representatives, academics, environmental activists, and community organizers. Participants will gain insights into creating inclusive and effective climate action plans. Alignment with Conference Theme ("Power"): Empowerment of Communities: The session underscores how El Paso empowers its communities to take meaningful action against climate change through grassroots engagement and outreach. Programs like the Paso Del Norte Fellowship drive ground-level climate action and promote equitable outcomes. Power of Collaboration: By leveraging the EPA's CPRG funds, El Paso builds a coalition of regional stakeholders, showcasing the power of unity in addressing climate challenges. Tailored Solutions: The focus on climate action plans contextualized to a desert city like El Paso demonstrates the power of customized approaches, with solutions designed to meet local needs. Key Takeaways: Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of leveraging regional collaboration to build effective climate action plans, the significance of engaging communities at all levels, and strategies for successful climate action in a desert environment. This session offers valuable insights and inspiration for anyone seeking to advance climate action within their region.