Read the Climate Protection and Resiliency Plan (CPRP):

View interactive version. | View printable version (large file).
Appendices can be found below.

“The impacts of global climate change are already being felt in the United State and are projected to intensify in the future – but the severity of future impacts will depend largely on actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to the changes that will occur.”  ~ Fourth National Climate Assessment

How is Kansas City contributing to climate change? 

The total amount of greenhouse gasses that are generated by our actions define our Carbon Footprint.  The average carbon footprint for a person in the United States is 16 tons, one of the highest rates in the world. Globally, the average is closer to 5 tons. Citywide, we are generating nearly 18 tons per person, more than three times the world average. 

Source: KCMO 2017 GHG Inventory

To have the best chance of avoiding a 2℃ rise in global temperatures, the average individual carbon footprint needs to drop under 2 tons per year by 2050. Kansas City will need to take significant and deliberate action to decrease our carbon footprint over the next 30 years.

How is climate change affecting us? 

Throughout the US, climate change is evident. Sea levels are rising, hurricanes and strong storms are increasing, but, at the same time, the number of days without rain is also increasing, leading to wildfires and reduced crop yields.  In the Kansas City area, we are experiencing climate change through increased temperatures, increased periods of drought, and more frequent flooding.  These changes in our regional climate lead to issues for people, the environment, and the economy. 

Kansas City’s history of climate action
On August 17, 2006, the Mayor and City Council of Kansas City, Missouri committed to take action by passing a resolution to join more than 300 U.S local governments and 770 local governments worldwide in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. City Council charged the City Manager and Chief Environmental Officer to work with the community in developing the City’s first Climate Protection Plan.

Because of efforts associated with this plan, Kansas City was able to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions for city operations by 26% below year 2005 levels and reduce community wide emissions by 24% below year 2005 levels before the year 2020.  

 Emission Reductions from 2005 to 2019 – City Operations

 Emission Reductions from 2005 to 2019 – City wide

Key Milestones for Climate Protection in Kansas City

• Resolution No. 200005 passed to create the Climate Protection and Resiliency Plan
• Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment complete
• Climate Protection and Resiliency Plan adopted August 2022 with the following appendices:
  • Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Methodology
  • Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Update
  • KC CPRP Engagement Summary
  • Short Term Implementation Plan
  • Mitigation Scenario Analysis
• Greenhouse Gas Inventory Updates
  • 2013
  • 2017
  • 2019 (data only) 2019 GHG Inventory slides
• The original Climate Protection Plan - Adopted July 2008 with Appendices