A new Extreme Weather Adaptation Lab has been launched in Austin, Texas, aimed at assisting community leaders across the state in addressing challenges related to extreme weather conditions. This initiative is particularly focused on under-resourced and rural communities facing issues such as heat, drought, flooding, wildfires, and severe storms. Hosted by the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, the lab offers year-round training opportunities and research to help leaders make informed decisions.
Texas has seen a rise in billion-dollar weather disasters over recent decades. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that between 1980 and mid-June 2024, Texas experienced 179 weather-related disasters exceeding $1 billion. These included 118 severe storm events, 19 droughts, 14 tropical cyclones, 11 winter storms, one freeze event, nine floods, and seven wildfires. The increasing frequency of these events necessitates a proactive approach.
"Extreme weather can cost thousands of lives annually, diminish quality of life, and inflict billions in economic damages," said JR DeShazo, dean of the LBJ School. "Increasing the resilience of communities through public policy reforms, improved infrastructure management and strategic investments can significantly reduce these human and financial costs."
The lab expands upon the LBJ School's academic offerings by introducing workshops and skills development for local governments, nonprofits, faith leaders, utilities, and small businesses. Participants will develop resilience plans tailored to their communities' needs with access to:
- Adaptation Academy: Hands-on training for managing specific weather hazards.
- Applied Research: Collaboration between scholars and local experts for community adaptability.
- Resource Navigator: Tools connecting leaders to resources for technical assistance.
- Policy Implementation Hub: An online platform for policymakers to stay updated on funding opportunities.
The University of Texas hosts various schools dedicated to building resilient communities. The lab will partner with faculty from Dell Medical School, Jackson School of Geosciences, Cockrell School of Engineering, among others.
Funding for the lab comes from the Willie Nelson Endowment for Uplifting Rural Communities alongside contributions from Randall Kempner and a federal grant from the National Science Foundation.
For more information about the lab or its offerings visit lbj.utexas.edu/ewal or contact lbjextremeweather@austin.utexas.edu.