Columbia’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) lays out a vision and strategy to address risks posed by climate change and contribute to international efforts to draw down greenhouse gas emissions.
Our plan outlines goals for reducing community greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2035, by 80% by 2050, and by 100% by 2060. The goals for reducing municipal operations emissions are 50% by 2035 and 100% by 2050.
This report provides an update on our progress towards meeting the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) goals, as an organization and as a community. The annual report also outlines upcoming priority issues and areas of focus.
Each year, the Office of Sustainability staff conducts greenhouse gas inventories to measure both community and municipal operation's greenhouse gas emissions. This report has two sections: the Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report and the Municipal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report.
Implementing the CAAP requires motivating staff, finding funding for strategies, involving community members to make key changes and sustaining momentum. Columbia has already taken steps to improve community sustainability. The implementation of the CAAP strategies is a priority for Columbia. The table below provides all of the CAAP strategies in a format to allow for ease of tracking progress on implementation.
The effects of increased global greenhouse gas emissions threaten Columbia’s resources and quality of life. Extreme heat, drought, higher incidence of extreme severe storms, and reduced air quality are growing threats in Columbia due to climate change. By taking action now to reduce our community’s contribution to worldwide emissions and prepare for climate risks, the City of Columbia can better protect the well-being of its residents for decades to come.
