Environmental Health Youth Council Promoting Science-based Learning and Leadership for Underserved Houston-Area Youth

Description: As a result of extensive industrial activity, the Houston, Texas, area suffers from chronic air quality issues and associated health impacts. As global warming continues, more frequent and extreme rainfall events are expected to result in massive flooding and increased pollution, such as that resulting from Hurricane Harvey. The Houston area communities most at risk from air pollution and climate change impacts are predominantly low-income, underserved communities along the Houston Ship Channel. This project aims to prepare 9th-12th grade youth in these communities to become future leaders on climate and air pollution issues and more knowledgeable about how to help improve the health and prosperity of their communities. High school students will be organized into year-long Environmental Health Youth Councils and provided with leadership training and science-based educational experiences pertaining to resiliency planning and improving environmental conditions. In addition, a complementary museum exhibit will be developed to reach broader audiences.

Funding Cycle: Capacity Building 2
Funding Organization: National Academies of Science, Engineering, Medicine: Gulf Research Program

Texas Gulf Coast STEMM Youth Environmental Leadership Program

Funding Cycle: Building the Next Generation of STEMM Leaders in the Field of Environmental Justice 1
Funding Organization: National Academies of Science, Engineering, Medicine: Gulf Research Program

Development of Gulf Coast Resiliency Management Plan Using Sentinel Species and Natural Infrastructure

Description: Hurricanes, including Katrina and Harvey, have demonstrated that oil and gas facilities are vulnerable to flooding-related damage – which can trigger the release of petroleum products and chemical contaminants into the air, water, and surrounding neighborhoods. This project will study the human and ecosystem health risks from toxics potentially released from industrial facilities following weather- and climate-related events. It will also examine possible use of Natural and Nature-Based Features (also known as green or natural infrastructure solutions), including constructed wetlands, to mitigate flooding-related toxic chemical releases. The team is focusing specifically on Galveston Bay in Texas, due to its proximity to vulnerable oil and gas facilities, but findings could also help inform industrial areas along the Louisiana coast.

Funding Cycle: Healthy Ecosystems 4
Funding Organization: National Academies of Science, Engineering, Medicine: Gulf Research Program