Photo credit: Sustainable Austin Blog

The City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability recently recognized Travis Audubon Board Member Nitakuwa Barrett Orsak as a Net-Zero Hero. The Net-zero by 2040 initiative aims to reach a “goal of net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.”

Nitakuwa was featured on the Sustainable Austin Blog where she discussed her work illuminating the connection between environmental conditions and how those conditions affect both individual and community health. She explained how she accomplishes this work:

“Central Texas has a strong community of skilled, knowledgeable, and action-oriented people. My role in the Department of Population Health at Dell Medical School allows me to intentionally seek partnerships with community members. This means building trust, creating meaningful relationships, and establishing shared leadership in our projects and initiatives. There are so many people and organizations working towards building a healthier environment. 

I am currently working on the Austin/Travis County food planning effort. I think many people understand the importance of healthy food. However, there are so many aspects of the food system that have an impact on health. Food production can be beneficial or harmful to the Earth and the people who grow and harvest it. Food distribution can impact climate when produce and other goods are shipped hundreds or even thousands of miles. There are many solutions to these issues, and I really enjoy working with people who are passionate about doing the work. There are many ways for community members to join in this effort. I encourage those reading to explore opportunities to get involved.”

Nitakuwa also talks later in the article about what birds and birding mean to her — read more about the impressive work she is doing for the Austin community and with Travis Audubon here.