The New Language of Sustainability: Reflections from Austin Sustainability Professionals x UN Global Compact

March 12, 2026 No Comments

A Global Sustainability Conversation in Austin During SXSW

On March 12, 2026, I attended an Austin Sustainability Professionals event held in partnership with the UN Global Compact Network USA during SXSW in Austin. Framed as a private happy hour and panel discussion, the event centered on what organizers described as the “new language” of sustainability and how it intersects with innovation at a critical moment of transition. That framing felt especially timely.

Sustainability work today is often described through a growing list of overlapping terms: resilience, ESG, EHS, circular economy, climate innovation, regenerative systems, and more. Depending on the industry or audience, the language shifts. But beneath those labels, the larger question remains the same: how do we move from ambition to meaningful change?

This panel brought together voices from corporate sustainability, climate technology, global convening, and healthy buildings to discuss exactly that. In the middle of SXSW, when Austin becomes a meeting point for big ideas, bold claims, and future-focused conversations, this event stood out for being more grounded, reflective, and practical.

Rather than asking only what’s next, the discussion also asked whether many of the solutions already exist = and whether the real barriers are adoption, scale, communication, and alignment.

General, Professional, Texas

From Soil to Startups: Inside the Texas Futures Summit in Austin

March 12, 2026 No Comments

A Summit Focused on the Future Economy

During SXSW week in Austin, I had the opportunity to attend the Texas Futures Summit, hosted by the Texas Futures Coalition and Palm Venture Studios. The event brought together founders, investors, technologists, policymakers, and innovators working at the intersection of sustainability, technology, and economic transformation.

Set against the backdrop of Austin’s rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem, the summit explored how emerging technologies and new economic models are shaping the future of industries ranging from agriculture and energy to computing and human health.

What stood out most was how the event connected systems-level thinking with real-world startups and innovators building tangible solutions today. From soil health and food systems to geothermal energy, artificial intelligence, and advanced materials, the summit showcased a wide spectrum of ideas shaping the future economy.

For me, it ended up being one of the highlights of my SXSW week.

General, Professional, Texas

Inspiration and Innovation at TEDxUTAustin: Polaris

March 7, 2026 No Comments

A Day of Ideas, Innovation, and Inspiration

On March 7, 2026, I spent the day at TEDxUTAustin: Polaris, held at the historic Hogg Auditorium on the University of Texas campus. As Austin’s largest university TEDx event, the conference brought together speakers, performers, entrepreneurs, and students for a full day centered around big ideas and meaningful conversations.

The theme of this year’s event, Polaris, referenced the North Star = a symbol that has historically guided explorers and travelers through uncertainty. In the context of the conference, the theme encouraged attendees to think about how people find direction in a rapidly changing world, whether through innovation, creativity, culture, or science.

Throughout the day, speakers explored topics ranging from architecture and medical mistrust to music culture and the unexpected ways curiosity shapes discovery. Combined with live performances and a startup showcase, the event created a dynamic environment where ideas and creativity intersected.

General, Professional, Texas

Protecting Central Texas Water: Reflections from the 2026 Conservation Symposium

March 4, 2026 No Comments

A Day Focused on the Future of Water in Central Texas

On March 4, 2026, I spent the day attending the Central Texas Water Conservation Symposium, an annual gathering that brings together water utilities, conservation professionals, researchers, policymakers, and community advocates focused on the future of water management in the region.

Central Texas continues to experience rapid population growth, increasing pressure on aquifers, rivers, and springs that sustain both ecosystems and communities. Events like this symposium provide an opportunity for experts and practitioners to share ideas, strategies, and emerging technologies designed to protect water resources while supporting a growing population.

Throughout the day, speakers and panelists explored topics ranging from conservation programs and new water supply strategies to behavioral science and public engagement. What stood out most was how interconnected these issues are = water management isn’t just about infrastructure or engineering, but also about communication, community buy-in, and long-term stewardship.

General, Professional, Texas

Understanding Sustainability Regulations at the Austin Sustainability Professionals Regulatory Round-Up

February 27, 2026 No Comments

A Conversation on the Future of Sustainability Policy

On February 27, 2026, I attended the Austin Sustainability Professionals (ASP) Regulatory Round-Up & Mixer, hosted by the law firm Holland & Knight in east Austin. The event brought together professionals working across sustainability, law, corporate responsibility, and policy to discuss how evolving regulations are shaping the future of environmental practices.

Austin Sustainability Professionals has become an important hub for conversations around climate action, corporate sustainability, and policy developments in Central Texas. This particular event focused on understanding how new regulations at the state, national, and international levels are influencing the way organizations approach sustainability reporting, energy procurement, and product responsibility.

In addition to attending the event, I also volunteered as the photographer and videographer, helping document the evening while connecting with members of Austin’s growing sustainability community.

General, Professional, Texas

Looking Beneath the Surface: Soil, Climate, and Ecology at the Texas Futures Coalition Panel

February 19, 2026 No Comments

Rethinking the Ground We Walk On

On February 19, 2026, I attended a panel discussion titled “Getting Dirty: The Potential of the Ground We Walk On,” hosted by the Texas Futures Coalition at Palm Venture Studios in Austin.

While climate conversations often focus on renewable energy, transportation, or carbon markets, this event shifted the spotlight to something much closer to home: soil. The panel explored how soil health plays a critical role in climate resilience, water management, agriculture, and ecosystem stability.

For many people, soil is simply the medium plants grow in. But the speakers at this event made it clear that soil is actually a living ecosystem, full of microscopic organisms and complex biological interactions that influence everything from crop productivity to flood prevention.