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Climate solutions can enhance the lives of every Austinite, but the effects of climate change are not felt equally across our community. As part of the Austin Climate Equity Plan, the Community Climate Ambassadors Program helps to empower community members to lead on climate action through community projects. 

Join us as we dive into the inspiring stories of our dedicated ambassadors and discover how they are making a positive difference in their communities. 

Meet the 2022-23 Community Climate Ambassadors:

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Sara Boone Hartley

Sara Boone Hartley: Sustainability Spotlight

 

There are thousands of employees that help power the City of Austin — we're proud that so many of them center sustainability in their work and lives. Today, we're introducing you to one such employee: Sara Boone Hartley, Assistant Director for Support Services with the Watershed Protection Department.

One of Sara’s favorite places is her backyard, and she tends it with an eye toward sustainabil…

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The Austin city skyline in a yellow-hue from the sun.

With the arrival of triple-digit days, Austin is heating up. Scorching summer heat can pose significant dangers. In fact, heat waves claim more lives among Americans than many other natural disasters including floods, lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Heat waves are especially concerning for older adults, folks with respiratory conditions, and people that lack access to air conditioning and shade trees.

Heat waves also stress our…

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Nitakuwa looks off in the distance smiling on a bridge over Waller Creek Greenbelt.

Nitakuwa Barratt Orsak stands on the Waller Creek Greenbelt smiling.

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by amplifying community voices, needs, and solutions that address the social determinants of health*

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Dr. Rosamaria Murillo smiles in front of the El Buen Samaritano building.

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by living a mission-driven life and creating access for others.

Meet Dr. Rosamaria Murillo, Chief Executive Officer at…

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Matthew Gaston stands in front on palms and a waterfall in the Hartman Prehistoric Garden.

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by educating our community about the importance of plants and sustainable landscapes.

Matthew Gaston is many things: educator, TikToker, native Central Texan, friend of plants, and our newest Net-Zero Hero! Matthew is passionate about fostering a love of plants — particularly native plants — throughout Central Texas and beyond. From his work as…

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Karlee Taylor: Sustainability Spotlight

At the Office of Sustainability, we are proud to work in an organization where so many employees are committed to supporting a brighter, greener Austin — both in and out of the office. Karlee TaylorEnvironmental Conservation Information Specialist with the Wildland Conservation Division of Austin Water, is a shining example.

For Karlee, living a sustai…

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Tina Coba stands in the Overton Elementary School Garden with an award and certificate.

At the Office of Sustainability, we know that the many school gardens across Austin offer students an opportunity for play, discovery, and learning — and that they wouldn't be possible without the tremendous support of volunteers. The Friends in Gardening Award was created in 2023 by the Central Texas School Garde…

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Sagar Kumashi and Saket Sripada stand with arms around each others' shoulders in front of a the bicycle sign at the Central Library.

We’re helping to make Austin Net-Zero by biking our way through life.

May is National Bike Month. To celebrate, we sat down with two Austinites who are doing their part to support a more sustainable Austin one ride at a time. Meet Sagar Kumashi and Saket Sripada.…

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Photos of the Sustainability Superstars, Ann DeSanctis, Katrin Abel, and Steve Nelson.

Meet the 2023 Sustainability Superheroes: Katrin Abel, Ann DeSanctis, and Steve Nelson! These three individuals completed all eight of the individual activities featured in the Earth Month Challenge! In honor of Earth Month, the Earth Month Challenge invited Austinites to work toward a brighter, greener Au…