Climate change in Texas

The climate in Texas is changing partially due to global warming and rising trends in greenhouse gas emissions.[1] As of 2016, most area of Texas had already warmed by 1.5 °F (0.83 °C) since the previous century because of greenhouse gas emissions by the United States and other countries.[1] Texas is expected to experience a wide range of environmental impacts from climate change in the United States, including rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, and increasing pressure on water resources.[1]

The Valero Refinery in Three Rivers, Texas[2]

Texas was ranked second by GDP across the U.S. in 2020 and had a fast growing economy.[3] According to U.S. Energy Information Administration, a large portion of Texas economic growth from 2005 to 2016 came from conventional energy production.[4]

Although Texas has a long history of conventional energy production (e.g., petroleum and natural gas), the renewable energy industry has also been rapidly growing in Texas. Solar industry jobs have been increasing and wind farms have been built in West Texas in recent years.[5][6] Considering the advantages such as sunny weather, flat land and friendly business climate, Texas has high potential to develop more renewable energy in the future.[6] In addition, there are emerging local and regional actions to address climate change across Texas. For example, Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio initiated Climate Action Plans in recent years.[7][8][9][10] The government agencies also implemented programs such as Texas Emissions Reduction Plan and Innovative Energy Demonstration Program to promote the use of renewable energy and climate education in Texas.

  1. ^ a b c "What Climate Change Means for Texas" (PDF). EPA. August 2016. EPA 430-F-16-045.
  2. ^ "File:Valero Three Rivers Refinery Texas 2020.jpg". Retrieved 2020-04-15.
  3. ^ Bureau of Economic Analysis. "Gross domestic product (GDP) by state (millions of current dollars)". Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  4. ^ U.S Energy Information Administration. "Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions by State, 2005–2016" (PDF). Retrieved 2021-04-10.
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