Establishing the Knowledge Base…

We live in a beautiful state

with tremendous environmental variety

What do we know about the condition of the environment in Texas?

Work in groups to identify and locate environmental issues in Texas.

Environmental issues affect Texans everywhere…

Air quality in all cities is a matter of concern.

Issues…

Oil rich regions face the threat of abandoned oil wells leaking into underground water supplies

Issues…

The Rio Grande no longer flows to the Gulf of Mexico

Issues…Killer bees, fire ants, dengue fever spreading mosquitoes are spreading across the state

Issues…Agricultural run-off, including pesticides. Herbicides, and fertilizers affect water supplies on land and at sea

Issues…The Black Footed Ferret, the Attwater Prairie Chicken, and other species are threatened, endangered, and disappearing

Issues…

Introduced plants threaten Texas wildflowers and biodiversity statewide

Issues…Urban growth and economic development are affected by water shortages

Issues…Neighborhoods throughout Dallas, Houston, El Paso and elsewhere are threatened by toxic releases from aging industries

Issues…

Extreme weather and climate events such as floods, droughts are more common

Issues…Natural environments have been altered, wetlands drained, dunes leveled with devastating effects on living creatures

Texans face many environmental management issues

It’s Important…

These issues are sensitive, significant, and demand careful consideration for the sake of our children

A new approach…

Combine programs to preserve and protect the environment with market-based solutions to environmental problems

Financial incentives to guide the use of the environment

New approach…The economic health of Texas depends upon the health of its environment

It’s our duty to prepare the next generation to preserve our heritage