THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME, and that’s certainly true of the Chihuahuan Desert region with its desert rain smell, daily sunset show, and our special kind of people, the kind that considers the ones they love before they consider themselves. As we said before, climate change affects all of us.
OUR PLAN WILL BE TAILORED TO US, to our unique culture and our specific challenges and opportunities. The plan is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2025, and as we develop the plan, we will be asking you to join us in building it.
CREATING OUR REGIONAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN WILL REQUIRE YOU TO THINK BEYOND YOURSELF, and consider the well-being of your loved ones now and of generations to come. So tune into this website on a regular basis, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook to learn about the CAP.
Figure 4 – Climate Action Plan (CAP) Areas
Figure 5 – Focus on Environmental Justice
Climate change affects all of us.
Climate Action can lower your utility, transportation and even health bills.
Climate Action can mean more cash in your pocket. It has the potential to lower your utility bills by promoting energy efficiency programs and practices. It can also cut transportation costs by supporting public transit, infill development and biking, reducing the need for gas and car maintenance. Additionally, it can lower medical bills related to respiratory illnesses like asthma
Climate change affects the air we breathe, affecting the overall public health and well-being of our region.
Climate change causes higher levels of pollution like ground-level ozone and particulate matter. This pollution can make asthma and bronchitis worse, especially for children and the elderly. Also, higher temperatures can lead to more frequent and intense heat waves, putting extra pressure on our healthcare systems.
2023 was the hottest year on record globally, and El Paso shattered temperature records with 60+ consecutive days of over 100-degree heat.
El Paso is experiencing what is known as the urban heat island effect. This happens when we replace natural land cover with pavement and buildings which absorb and retain heat, increasing the effects of global warming by making local temperature increases a “normal” thing.
The Chihuahuan Desert is considered one of the most biologically diverse desert ecosystems in the world, extending nearly over 1,000 km from south of Albuquerque, New Mexico, to 250 km north of Mexico City.
The Chihuahuan Desert acts as a natural carbon sink, helping mitigate climate change. Its biodiversity and unique ecosystems provide resilience against extreme weather events and support local wildlife.
Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and low-income residents, are most at risk from the impacts of climate change.
This is due to health vulnerabilities, inadequate housing and infrastructure, limited economic resources, and potential social isolation.
Our CAP will include measures to support and protect vulnerable communities, ensuring they have the resources and assistance they need to cope with climate impacts.
Extreme heat doesn’t just worsen asthma - it can also strain the heart and affect mental health.
People with cardiovascular conditions are especially vulnerable during heat waves, and studies show that high temperatures can increase stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. As climate change intensifies, protecting public health means addressing rising heat risks, too.
It’s not just asthma—extreme heat and air pollution can also strain the heart and affect mental health.
In regions like El Paso, where dust storms and high temperatures are common, children and older adults face greater risks of cardiovascular events, anxiety, and depression. These effects compound the challenges of living in already overburdened and under-resourced communities near major roads or industrial zones.
Have questions or want to learn more about our project, contact us below:
| Name | Office of Climate & Sustainability |
|---|---|
| Phone | (915) 212-0138 |
| [email protected] |
