CEER is partnering with nine community-based organizations across Southeast Texas to develop planning protocols for nature-based solutions that will reduce environmental risks in underserved communities.
Nature-based solutions, or natural infrastructure projects, harness the power of existing ecosystems to reduce flood risks, improve air quality, cool urban heat islands, and so much more. These projects can range from community-led native gardens which support native pollinators and food security, to living shorelines or large wetland preserves that can naturally filter water and absorb the impacts of flooding.
Nature-based solutions can reduce the need for costly concrete and steel infrastructure that can inadvertently damage native ecosystems. They are also cost effective: for every $1 spent on nature-based solutions and restoration, communities can achieve up to $7 in flood-reduction benefits. The General Land Office’s 2023 Texas Coastal Resilience Master Plan, as well as the City of Houston’s resilience plan, emphasize the role of nature-based solutions as climate solutions. However, the broader Southeast Texas region lacks similar comprehensive planning.
The distribution of these projects, and the funding tied to it, can often follow patterns of social and economic inequities. For example, urban green spaces and tree planting projects often flow to wealthier zip codes, while lower-income zip codes without those amenities experience more street flooding and intense urban heat islands as a result.
With support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Coastal Resilience Fund, CEER is surveying communities in Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Jefferson and Liberty counties to better understand priorities and needs around strengthening resilience and protecting land and water.
These counties are facing increased risks of storm surge, sea-level rise, inland flooding, and coastal erosion. Together, we will develop a coastal resilience plan of action, and train local community leaders to engage with elected officials to promote equitable nature-based solutions.
Houston Advanced Research Center will serve as the project’s technical delivery partner. The technical advisory committee also includes:
- National Wildlife Federation
- Audubon Texas
- Rice University’s Center for Environmental Studies
- Texas Southern University Bullard Center for Environmental & Climate Justice
- Texas A&M University School of Architecture
- Texas A&M University at Galveston - College of Marine Science & Maritime Studies
- University of Texas at Austin - School of Architecture
