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 16% of the electricity provided by Columbia Water & Light is from renewable sources; the CAAP goal is to increase that to 100% by 2035.  

From 2015-2018, 5,975 residential and commercial customers have participated in efficiency and renewable energy incentive programs to reduce energy usage by 79,233 MMBTU.

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 2000 to 2015, community greenhouse gas emissions increased by 12%. However, per-capita emissions decreased over that time period by 20%. Our individual actions are making a difference!