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What Should Columbia Do to Reduce Global Warming Emissions?

A Public Panel on Local Policy and Strategy

In July 2006 the Columbia City Council endorsed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement (MCPA). It states, "The City of Columbia will strive to meet or exceed Kyoto Protocol targets for reducing global warming pollution by taking actions in city operations and in the community." Nearly 800 cities have signed the MCPA to date.

The MCPA lists 12 Action Steps. No. 1: "Inventory global warming emissions‚ set reduction targets and create an action plan." The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory was conducted last spring following LWV meetings with the Mayor and other city officials. It shows that:

Columbia emitted 3 million Tons of GHG in 2005, a 9.5% increase from year 2000.

Energy use per resident also increased during this period.

CW&L electricity, purchased/produced, (46%) and vehicles (28%) were the two largest sources of local GHG; UMC power 13%; natural gas use 7%; waste (methane) 1%.

Sectors: Vehicles 31%, Commercial 28%, Residential 23%, Industrial 17%, Waste 1%

The Challenge: Reduce GHG 7% below 2000 levels by 2012 (the current target).

Our city has been lauded statewide for its Renewable Energy Ordinance and energy conservation/efficiency programs. However, new programs and policies and community-wide cooperation will be needed to achieve significant GHG reductions. Many MCPA cities, such as Kansas City and Evanston, have created broad-based city-community task forces to develop measurable reduction goals and action plans for different areas (e.g. energy, transportation, waste, land use, buildings).

Recent scientific studies show that global climate change is happening faster than the models predicted and already causing environmental changes that will have significant economic and social impacts. NOW is the time to act! What policies and strategies should be adopted to assure that Columbia will achieve the GHG reduction targets in the city's Climate Protection Agreement?

Panel