Columbia's Climate Action & Adaptation Plan

The effects of increasing global greenhouse gas emissions threaten Columbia’s resources and the quality of life for Columbia’s residents. The Climate Action & Adaptation Plan (CAAP) lays out a vision and strategy to address risks posed by climate change and contributes to international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The purpose of this plan is twofold:

  1. To prepare Columbia’s natural and built environments (its neighborhoods, resources and systems) and people to be more resilient to the impacts of a changing climate.

  2. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) community wide through targeted municipal, residential, industrial and commercial activities.


Developed over a year-long engagement process with the public, the Mayor’s Task Force on Climate Action & Adaptation Planning, and City staff, the Plan focuses on activities that achieve the greatest emission reductions or do the most to increase our community preparedness in the most cost-effective and equitable manner.

Nearly 15% of the electricity provided by Columbia Water & Light is from renewable sources; the CAAP goal is to increase that to 100% by 2035.  

From 2015-2021, more than 12,000 customers have used incentives to reduce energy use by more than 134,000 MMBtu. That's equivalent to 2,734 homes' energy use for a whole year!

78% of Columbia residents drive alone to work every day.

The majority of waste generated by Columbia residents and businesses could be composted or recycled. 

10% of Boone County residents have been diagnosed with asthma. Columbia is working to reduce health risks for all residents.

Protecting and conserving biodiversity and natural resources will create a more resilient Columbia as we face climate change impacts.

From 2015 to 2021, community greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 1.5%. Per capita emissions have decreased by 8%. More action is needed to achieve our emissions reductions goals. 

Six Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) Teams, made up of over 40 City employees, help us move towards our CAAP goals through interdepartmental conversation and collaboration. 

In 2022, community science volunteers collected data during a one-day heat mapping campaign. Explore the data and learn more about the impacts of urban heat!