Resilience in the Face of Climate Challenges: Wildfires, Air Quality, and Water
Friday, August 2, 2024
Virtual Session
12:00 - 1:00 PM
About the Presentation:
Join us for an informative webinar where three local experts will delve into the critical issues of climate change facing Central Texas today. Justice Jones, City of Austin Wildfire Mitigation Officer, will kick off with an in-depth look at the current wildfire situation, prevention strategies, and lessons from recent events. Ramon Zarate, Air Quality Program Specialist at CAPCOG, will address the pressing air quality issues, their health impacts, and mitigation techniques. Finally, Jennifer Walker, Director of the Texas Coast and Water Program, will explore sustainable water management and conservation strategies. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from leading experts and engage in a dynamic discussion on building resilience in the face of climate challenges.
Speakers:
Ramon Zarate is an Air Quality Program Specialist at the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG). Through CAPCOG’s air quality outreach campaign, Air Central Texas, he provides air quality information to the Central Texas public via social media and in-person engagement, collaborating with government entities, non-profits, healthcare providers, and universities. Ramon earned his BA in Resource and Environmental Studies at Texas State University.
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Justice Jones is an experienced Community Coordinator with a demonstrated history of working in the government administration industry. Skilled in Crisis Management, Nonprofit Organizations, Government, Law Enforcement, and Emergency Management. Strong military and protective services professional with a Environmental Resources Management and Cultural Anthropology focused in Environmental Resource Management from The University of Texas at Austin.
Jennifer Walker is the Director of the Texas Coast and Water Program at the National Wildlife Federation. She focuses on statewide water policy issues with an emphasis on water planning, infrastructure funding, urban water management, and bay and estuary protection. Jennifer is a water resources expert with twenty years of experience helping cities, utilities, and state agencies achieve ambitious water supply management and conservation goals. She has helped develop and inform strategic action by utilizing scientific and technical expertise, engaging stakeholders, and approaching resource management challenges with a solutions-oriented perspective.
Jennifer is Chair of Austin’s Water Forward Task Force, a team working to implement Austin’s groundbreaking 100-year water plan that is focused on deploying One Water solutions to meet future water needs. In 2021, she was appointed by the Texas Water Development Board to represent Environmental Interests on the Texas Water Conservation Advisory Council. Jennifer has a BS in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology from the University of Texas at Austin.
