Two University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) researchers are launching the Coastal Bend Climate Resilience Center (CB-CRC), a research initiative to help communities in Texas better prepare for natural hazards like floods and droughts.
The CB-CRC, the product of a $994,947 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), will use DOE climate model outputs to study how different weather- and climate-related events affect water availability, water quality and urban flooding in Texas' Coastal Bend region. By studying these "compound events," the team hopes to predict how often they will occur and how severe they will be.
Civil engineering Associate Professor Michelle Hummel will lead the project with the help of Adnan Rajib, an assistant professor in the department. The research will be conducted in partnership with Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi.
"With the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather, there's a pressing need for proactive strategies that can help communities in the Texas Coastal Bend adapt and build resilience," Dr. Hummel said. "Our work will generate vital insights into these hazards and develop equitable solutions that address the needs of the region's most vulnerable populations."
She noted that the CB-CRC will work closely with local community leaders and organizations to brainstorm strategies for dealing with these hazards. The team will test their efficacy using advanced computer models to determine how best to protect people, property and the region's critical water resources.
Additionally, the CB-CRC will establish a stakeholder advisory group made up of resource managers and community organizations to gather input and ensure the research aligns with local needs. Through workshops and training sessions, local leaders will learn how to use the project's findings in their planning efforts.
The CB-CRC will provide hands-on training for students, pairing them with community partners so they can gain real-world experience in applying scientific research to solve local problems.
"We are creating a bridge between cutting-edge science, community insights and solutions by equipping the Coastal Bend communities with the tools, data and strategies they need," Dr. Rajib added. "The CB-CRC will empower them to face tomorrow's challenges with resilience and adaptability. Together, we are shaping a new future for the state of Texas."
