Johnson County’s greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 30% since 2013, but efforts to combat climate change remain “inadequate,” according to a new county report.
Burning fossil fuels for activities such as generating electricity and transportation results in the emission of gases, some of which become confined in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change.
This year’s greenhouse gas inventory report shows substantial improvements and rising emissions.
During a webcast this week, Johnson County’s sustainability program manager, Brian Alferman, reported that the community’s emissions have decreased by 30% since our last inventory in 2013, with the majority of that reduction attributable to improvements in how our electricity is generated, away from coal.
The “built environment,” which includes electricity and heating, was responsible for 59 percent of the county’s total emissions. Transportation was responsible for 38% of the emissions, while solid waste disposal, wastewater treatment, and water delivery each contributed 3%.
2020 information was compared to 2013 figures. Alferman stated that COVID had an effect on a number of the findings, most notably the decline in transportation-related emissions.
The county is on schedule to meet its 2050 emission reduction target of 84%. 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 course 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 stated that more must be done to combat the already occurring effects of climate change, such as severe weather and drought.
Alferman stated that the county has fallen short of its aim to purchase the majority of its electricity from renewable wind sources generated by Evergy.
In recent years, emissions from county operations have increased.
“Operationally, we saw a 9% increase in emissions from 2013 to 2014, which is obviously a negative trend, but it reflects Johnson County’s rapid population growth and our organization’s need to serve this growing population,” Alferman said.
According to the report, the total square footage of county facilities has increased by 57% since the last emissions inventory. Alferman stated that although emissions have increased, the increase has been efficient.
By 2025, the county hopes to have 25% of its fleet miles covered by electric vehicles or low-carbon fuels.
Tom Jacobs, director of environmental programs at the Mid-America Regional Council, deemed the report’s data vital.
“It establishes a foundation for progress not only in Johnson County, but throughout the entire region,” he said, adding that it will inform programs and policies that will help move the needle.
“We are attempting to stimulate action, whether at the county or community level.”