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. 

Urban areas can be up to 7 degrees hotter than nearby rural areas, and climate change is causing Columbia to heat up even more. Join the heat mapping campaign this summer to help us take action!