Austin is known for its live-music scene and rapid tech-fueled growth—but beneath the skyline, a different story is unfolding: one of environmental strain, air quality alarms, and water scarcity. According to the city’s official “State of Our Environment” report, Austin’s air, water, trees and climate resilience are all under increased pressure. Austin Texas+1
The air quality situation in the Austin region is particularly concerning. A 2024 article noted that fine particulate matter levels exceed safe limits and that ozone pollution is again pushing the region toward non-attainment status. KUT+1 Meanwhile drought conditions continue to deepen: one site reports that the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer has entered an “exceptional drought” state after months of minimal rainfall. Statesman Rapid population growth compounds the issue—more cars, development, impervious surfaces, and pressure on water systems and green space. Medium+1
Nonetheless, there are glimmers of hope. Austin’s Watershed Protection Department points to thousands of acres of restored native grassland and a booming urban tree-canopy project as steps in a broader resilience push. Austin Texas But success will depend on community engagement, policy alignment and recognising that environmental burdens often fall on underserved areas. For example, a study found that neighborhoods with higher air pollution in Austin had increased rates of asthma-related emergency visits—particularly in Black and Latinx communities. Dell Medical School
This is a moment for local voices—and for mapping change. On Geopoly, you might pin the creek that flooded after a rain-storm, the housing subdivision built on former grassland, the community garden thriving in sandy soil, or the neighbourhood pushing back on development to save green space. Austin’s environment is not just an abstraction—it’s your street, your park, your spring day. Capture it.