(Harris County, TX – April 14, 2025) – Harris County is turning up the heat on climate action with a groundbreaking new plan that promises to lead the way in building a sustainable, equitable, and resilient future. The Harris County Climate Justice Plan is a collaborative effort involving the Office of County Administration’s Office of Sustainability and the Coalition for Environment, Equity, and Resilience (CEER). This initiative seeks to create a comprehensive strategy to tackle climate change while ensuring that all residents benefit from a sustainable future.
"This initiative is the first time a US County has prepared a resiliency plan that covers its entire population, as opposed to its bureaucracy alone,” said
Judge Lina Hidalgo. “At the heart of this plan are realistic steps to advance issues like clean air, resilient infrastructure, and housing affordability and availability. Many portions of the plan are already in progress, and I look forward to continued advancement over the years.”
"The climate crisis is among the most urgent and complex challenges facing government and society which demands coordinated action to safeguard our future,"
Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Precinct 1 stated. "All communities deserve equitable solutions that protect the most vulnerable and ensure a livable planet for everyone. I am proud to have championed the creation of the Office of Sustainability, and I am equally proud to see this work culminate in the Climate Justice Plan."
“I’m honored to see the voices of Precinct 2 residents reflected in this bold Climate Justice Plan. Their time, energy, and lived experiences helped shape a roadmap that speaks to our shared vision for a healthier, more just Harris County. I look forward to continuing this work together to turn these ideas into action and build a future where every community can thrive,” said
Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Precinct 2.
“I am proud that Harris County is leading the way as the first county in the nation to adopt a community-driven Climate Justice Plan. In Precinct 4, we’ve already been putting this vision into action—expanding green spaces through the Burnett Bayland Master Plan, planting trees in the Barbara Quattro Forest to reduce the urban heat island effect, and fortifying community centers with backup generators so they can serve as resilience hubs. I’m deeply grateful to the community for your input, passion, and partnership. Together, we’re turning bold ideas into real progress for a greener, healthier, and more resilient Harris County,” stated
Commissioner Lesley Briones, Precinct 4.
Long-Term Vision for Sustainability: The plan sets goals across five key areas—
Ecology, Infrastructure, Economy, Community, and Culture—to ensure a thriving, sustainable future for all residents of Harris County.
Residents at the Core: Central to the plan’s approach is climate justice, which seeks to address the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities by building creative solutions with residents and community organizations.
Community-Driven Decision-Making: With input from over 340 residents and local organizations, this plan prioritizes the voices of the community, ensuring climate solutions reflect the needs and values of Harris County’s diverse population.
Holistic, Integrated Approach: The plan’s comprehensive approach spans traditional climate issues like clean energy, waste management, and transportation, while also tackling utility reliability, affordable housing, food security, and economic resilience—creating a roadmap for systemic change.
Collaboration for Lasting Impact: This plan is a living framework built on ongoing collaboration. Community input, partnerships with external organizations like CEER, and robust government coordination will ensure that this plan evolves and stays relevant to the changing needs of the county.
“We’re at an important moment for Harris County, and this plan is our blueprint for the future. It’s not just about tackling climate change—it’s about ensuring that every resident, no matter where they live or what they do, has a chance to thrive in a healthier, more sustainable community. Together, we’re creating a legacy of justice, resilience, and opportunity for generations to come,” said
Diana Ramirez, Harris County Administrator.
While the Climate Justice Plan provides a clear framework, the next phase is all about implementation. The county will work closely with internal and external partners to turn the plan’s vision into reality. The next steps include conducting a benefits and impacts analysis, which will assess the emissions reduction potential and community impacts of the proposed actions. The county will also develop an implementation roadmap, identifying specific leaders and partners for each action, as well as how to track and measure success.
“There is a lot of momentum around some of these actions today,” said
Lisa Lin, Director, Office of Sustainability, OCA. “The implementation phase will bring focus and clarity, ensuring that we work together across departments, organizations, and communities to achieve these goals.”
"From the founding of the Coalition for Environment, Equity, and Resilience (CEER), we have called upon our local elected officials to commit to a vision of our region rooted in equity that addresses pollution, place, and the public’s health. Harris County’s Climate Justice Plan will build a more resilient region. The people of Harris County have been hit hard by disaster after disaster. Now is the time to support our communities so that people can thrive, not merely survive," said
Stefania Tomaskovic, Ph.D., Coalition Director, Coalition for Environment, Equity, and Resilience.
For more information, click
HERE.