It’s been 13 years since Kansas City, Missouri, passed its first climate protection plan. At the top of the list: drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Now the city is preparing a new plan, and emission reductions remains a focus. In 2008, the city set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 30% below 2000 levels by 2020. The most recent analysis, in 2017, found that the city had achieved a 21% drop. To continue cutting its emissions and to prepare the community for the impacts of climate change, the city is exploring several strategies. A final review of the new plan, which will set the agenda on climate change for years to come, is scheduled for January. In November, the City Council passed a resolution declaring a climate emergency. It included 12 sections laying out various citywide commitments, including directing the city manager and staff to identify and share funding sources for climate action with the council and requiring all future city projects to incorporate greenhouse gas reduction goals. The resolution was passed as city staffers were at work on a “climate protection and resiliency plan,” which will lay out strategies to reduce the city’s impact on climate change and to build community resilience. Kansas City has already made some changes to address climate change, such as a switch to electric municipal vehicles. Other changes will take a more concerted effort.
By Emily Wolf. The Beacon/KCUR. November 30, 2021.
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