Johnson County cut its carbon footprint 30% in 7 years. Why it’s still not enough
Greenhouse gas emissions in Johnson County have dropped by 30% since 2013 — but efforts remain “inadequate” to address climate change, according to a new report released by the county.
A greenhouse gas inventory report released earlier this year shows dramatic improvements in some areas, but also areas where emissions have actually increased.
Burning fossil fuels for things like generating electricity and driving releases gasses, some of which become trapped in the atmosphere which has led to climate change.
“The high level findings showed a 30% reduction in the community’s emissions since our last inventory in 2013 and most of that is from improvements in how our electricity is generated, moving away from coal,” Brian Alferman, Johnson County’s sustainability program manager, said during a webcast this week.
Fifty-nine percent of the county’s emissions were attributed to the “built environment,” which includes electricity and heating. Transportation contributed to 38% of the emissions while 3% of emissions was attributed to solid waste disposal, wastewater treatment and water delivery.
Data from 2020 was compared to numbers from 2013. Alferman said COVID had an impact on some of the findings, most notably decreasing transportation emissions.
The county is on track to achieve its goal of an 84% reduction in emissions by 2050. However the KC Regional Climate Action Plan, which the Board of County Commissioners endorsed in 2021, calls for net zero emissions by 2050, which the county is not yet on track to meet.
”While Johnson County has made great strides in both community and operational emissions, current adaptation and planning efforts are inadequate to respond to the expected changes as a result of climate change and additional action will be required,” the report said.
Alferman said more also needs to be done to combat the impact of climate change, which is already happening in the form of severe weather and drought.
In terms of the county’s operations, it has has also fallen short of a goal to buy most of its electricity from renewable wind sources generated by Evergy, Alferman said.
Emissions from county operations have increased in recent years.
“Operationally, we saw a 9% increase in our emissions over 2013 which is obviously the wrong direction, but it’s a reflection of a fast growing community like Johnson County and our organization’s need to serve that growing population,” Alferman said.
According to the report, county facilities have grown by 57% in total square footage since the previous emissions inventory. Alferman said while emissions have risen, the growth has been efficient.
By 2025, the county aims to have electric vehicles or low-carbon fuels account for 25% of its fleet miles.
Tom Jacobs, environmental programs director at the Mid-America Regional Council, said the report’s data was crucial.
“It creates a basis for progress not only in Johnson County, but region wide,” he said, adding that it will inform programs and policies to help move the needle.
“We’re trying to spur action, whether that’s at the county or community wide level.”
This story was originally published April 14, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
