“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. 

 GHG_per_capitaSource: 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. 

Extreme heat: Kansas City is expected to see an increase in the annual average temperature of 4°F by mid-century (2021-2060). Kansas City already has a high energy burden and electric bills will continue to increase as heat rises. Heat and humidity tend to be more severe in cities because of the urban heat island affect. Elderly, sick and low-income residents, especially those who live in the urban core where tree cover is low, or lack adequate air conditioning, are more susceptible to the hazards of heat waves.

Drought: In the Kansas City metro area, summers overall are expected to be hotter and drier, suggesting the potential for summer drought will increase over the rest of the century. Though access to adequate drinking water is not an issue in Kansas City, increased periods of drought mean increased water needs and higher utility bills.  Though drought effects are difficult to quantify from an economic standpoint, increased drought leads to loss of urban tree canopy and wildlife habitat, crop damage, low crop yields, and infrastructure damages such as increased water main breaks and cracks in the foundations of homes. 

Increased flooding:  Flooding leads to increased water pollution; infrastructure damage to bridges, roads and treatment plants; home damage causing residential displacement and health issues related to mold. 

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 40% below year 2000 levels and reduce community wide emissions by 21% below year 2000 levels before the year 2020.  

 Emission Reductions from 2000 to 2017 – City Operations

GHG_emissions

 

Key Milestones for Climate Protection

Upgrading the Climate Protection Plan
In May of 2020 City Council passed Resolution No. 200005  directing the Office of Environmental Quality to update the Climate Protection Plan to include new greenhouse gas reduction goals, resiliency, and equity. The result will be a Climate Protection and Resiliency Plan that builds upon the climate protection strategies from the original plan and includes a framework to help our city adapt to the climate impacts we are already facing. The goal is a carbon neutral, equity focused and resilient Kansas City by 2040. 
 
Climate Protection and Resiliency Plan Timeline

CP-and-RP

Climate Protection and Resiliency Plan completed milestones: