Establishing the Knowledge Base…

1. Establishing the Knowledge Base…

2. We live in a beautiful state

3. with tremendous environmental variety

4. What do we know about the condition of the environment in Texas? • Work in groups to identify and locate environmental issues in Texas.

7. Environmental issues affect Texans everywhere… • Air quality in all cities is a matter of concern.

8. Issues… • Oil rich regions face the threat of abandoned oil wells leaking into underground water supplies

9. Issues… • The Rio Grande no longer flows to the Gulf of Mexico

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

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

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

13. Issues… • Introduced plants threaten Texas wildflowers and biodiversity statewide

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

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

16. Issues… • Extreme weather and climate events such as floods, droughts are more common

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

18. Texans face many environmental management issues

19. It’s Important… • These issues are sensitive, significant, and demand careful consideration for the sake of our children

20. 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

21. 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