“2023 will go down in history as one of the hottest Summer’s Texas” by Emerie

“2023 will go down in history as one of the hottest Summer’s Texas” by Emerie - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

“2023 will go down in history as one of the hottest Summer’s Texas”
By : Emerie Hannah McCann

“2023 will go down in history as one of the hottest Summer’s Texas has experienced–in decades.” While Texas is often known for its “unpredictable” weather, last year, things were different. Our state was put to the ultimate test as we experienced unprecedented heat waves. The Texas heat blazed relentlessly through the city of Houston, imitating a ball of fire. The streets and sidewalks blistered in the heat, while outside faucets resembled boiling cups of tea as it trickled down my feet. Although I live on the outskirts of Houston, I consider Third Ward a second home. Third Ward is a part of Houston that is considered rich in culture, however, its residents often struggle financially, which has imposed a significant strain on them during these unparalleled temperatures. I have observed vulnerable age groups affected by weather inflicted issues as my school, family members' homes, church, and my mother’s job all reside within this area.

As the heatwave swarmed through Houston with temperatures rising above 100 degrees, people of the community sought refuge as they searched for any place offering a brisk of coolness. However, limited spaces caused some residents to remain in their homes with just the breeze of a hot fan, while others, including the massive homeless population, had to endure the blazing temperatures as they scouted shelter outdoors or in overcrowded cooling centers. The utilization of excessive energy consumption (utilizing fans, air conditioners, ie.) caused an enormous strain on power grids leading to increased electricity bills, and the unexpected rolling blackouts that occurred at the most inopportune time.
As I continue to reminisce about this summer, it brings to mind the disparities that exist in several communities throughout Houston. The Texas Heat renders no mercy, however the people most vulnerable are those living in communities that don’t have the resources to combat extreme climate change. This highlights the need for social and environmental justice.

Fast forward, recently while attending Environmental Science class my teacher provided the most compelling lecture on climate change and its impact on Houston during the heatwave of 2023. Her passionate and informative presentation not only shed more light on the alarming consequences of climate change but also ignited a sense of responsibility within me. Witnessing the devastating effects on Houston, as outlined in her lecture, motivated me to channel my efforts towards addressing environmental challenges. My teacher's ability to articulate the urgency of the situation and the role of environmental engineering in finding sustainable solutions left an impactful mark on me.
Today, I am focused and determined to utilize my newfound passion for STEM in pursuit of a career as an environmental engineer. My motivation not only stems from my past experiences, but from my teacher’s deep concern for environmental issues and my desire to make a lasting impact. I am particularly driven by the need to address the environmental challenges faced by underserved communities not only in my city, but world wide. These communities often bear the brunt of environmental injustices, with limited access to clean air, water, and a healthy environment. Subsequently, they also lack preventative resources to assist them during an environmental crisis. A degree in Environmental Engineering will provide a powerful platform to correct these injustices and ensure that every community, regardless of its socio-economic status, has access to a clean environment, and resources they need to sustain the environment that they live in.