Celebrating the Leading with Equity in Adaptation Program: Building Climate Resilience in Houston
On November 8, ASAP concluded the Leading with Equity in Adaptation (“LEAP”) Program, a partnership with the Houston Advanced Research Center (“HARC”). The milestone was celebrated through a powerful symposium highlighting the remarkable achievements and transformative climate resilience work carried out through community collaboration in Houston’s Third and Fifth Wards.
A Day of Reflection and Celebration
The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including ASAP’s Program Coordinator, Angelina DeBenedet, who attended alongside other invitees. The day began with an immersive walking tour through these vibrant Houston neighborhoods, where attendees explored firsthand the impactful work being done by local residents and community leaders.
The walking tour was complemented by a series of video stories showcasing community-driven efforts to build resilience against climate change. These images captured the essence of the LEAP Program—highlighting how community collaboration has been essential in tackling climate adaptation and resilience challenges in historically underserved areas.
Engaging in Deep Conversations on Climate Resilience
The event didn’t just reflect on past successes—it also set the stage for future progress. The workshop explored how the work achieved in the Third and Fifth Wards could continue within the broader context of regional and national climate adaptation policies. This conversation was vital, as it provided participants with tools and strategies to continue advocating for equity-driven climate resilience efforts as the world grapples with the growing impacts of climate change.
The symposium culminated with an insightful keynote speech from Lisa Lin, the Director of Sustainability for Harris County, who shared her vision for the future of city-level resilience initiatives. Lin’s speech emphasized the importance of scaling up local resilience efforts, building on grassroots work like the LEAP Program, and ensuring that adaptation policies are inclusive and equitable.
Looking to the Future
The symposium wasn’t just a time to reflect on the LEAP Program’s accomplishments but also an opportunity to inspire continued growth and action. As climate change continues to affect communities across the country, programs like LEAP demonstrate how community-driven solutions can be at the heart of adaptation efforts. The event provided a meaningful space for reflection and celebration while underscoring the need for ongoing collaboration and action.
As these communities face the ongoing impacts of climate change, the work completed through the LEAP Program will continue to serve as a foundation for resilience, offering valuable lessons for other communities looking to strengthen their climate adaptation strategies.
The LEAP Program is a testament to the power of community collaboration in building climate resilience. ASAP is proud to have been part of this transformative work in Houston, and we look forward to supporting similar efforts across the country. The future of climate resilience depends on the collective action of communities, local governments, and organizations, and the LEAP Program has shown us the way forward.
Thank You to Our Partner and Funder
Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC): HARC provides independent analysis on energy, air, and water issues to people seeking scientific answers and operates as a research hub finding solutions for a sustainable future.
National Academies of Science Gulf Research Program: In supporting a safer, more resilient, and sustainable future for the Gulf and all those who call the region home, the Gulf Research Program uses science, engineering, and medical knowledge to empower its citizens and to enhance Gulf Offshore Energy Safety, Gulf Environmental Protection and Stewardship, and Gulf Health and Resilience.