Columbia mayor commits to climate change initiatives

Columbia Mayor Brian Treece has joined nearly 200 other U.S. mayors in the “Mayors National Climate Action Agenda,” also called Climate Mayors.

The goal of the group is to keep the promises made in the Paris Climate Agreement on a local level following President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of the United States from the accord.

“Climate change is a major concern in the Midwest,” Treece said. “It has a direct impact on insurance losses, insurance premiums and economic competitiveness. Columbia is encouraged by the partnerships forming with other cities, universities, and businesses to support creating good jobs in energy efficiency and renewable energy.”

Columbia joins St. Louis and Kansas City on the list of cities joining the group.

Treece said Columbia has been a leader in sustainability and addressing climate change is part of the city’s culture and values.

In 2004, Columbia was the first Missouri city to adopt a renewable energy portfolio ordinance. The Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, which was signed in 2006, implemented a culture of sustainability within municipal operations. The Mayor’s Climate Protection Awards was established in 2014 to recognize local businesses and organizations that walk the talk for sustainability. The city of Columbia’s 2016-2019 strategic plan sets a goal to reduce carbon emissions in Columbia.

Treece said the recent move by Trump to withdraw from the Paris agreement won’t stop Columbia’s effort to reduce climate change effects.

“It should motivate all of us to support action on climate change,” Treece said.

By signing on to Climate Mayors, Columbia is committing to adopting, honoring and upholding the commitments to the goals enshrined in the Paris Agreement. Signatories will intensify efforts to meet their cities’ current climate goals, and work together to create a 21st century clean energy economy.