Sustainability

Wind turbines on the prairie.

Missouri Senate Approves Eminent Domain Reform that Wouldn’t Kill Grain Belt Express

A years-long effort to halt development of a massive electrical transmission line across Missouri gave way early Thursday morning to a compromise bill endorsed by the energy company.

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John Hooker and Mike Loesch begin installation of solar panels on the roof of a Columbia, Missouri, home.

Inflation, Energy Prices Complicate Consumer Calculus Regarding Renewables

The decision to embrace renewable energy amid a changing climate has become more complex in recent months, complicated by rampant inflation, soaring energy prices and a volatile economy.

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Sofia Gillespie likes to take the bus when meeting up with friends.

If More Kansas Citians Rode the Bus by Choice, it Could Shift the Whole City’s Mindset

Despite long wait times between buses, confusing route changes and other inconveniences, these Kansas Citians use public transit not because they have to, but because they want to. Here’s why that matters.

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Graphic illustrating use of air sensors.

Here’s How Residents Along Troost Avenue Can Help Measure Kansas City Air Quality

KC Digital Drive and The Kansas City Beacon are co-hosting an event April 30 to discuss air quality sensors that measure climate, temperature and particulate matter in the air.

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Richard Heimer takes his seat on the RideKC bus that takes him to work every morning.

Not Everyone in Kansas City Drives a Car. This Man has Been Riding the Bus for 45 Years

Despite being designed for cars, Kansas City is home to people who rely on the bus every day. We spent a day riding along with Richard Heimer to learn what’s working and what’s not in our public transit system.

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Smithville Mayor Damien Boley on a bike path.

‘Ten Years to Save the Planet’: Kansas City Metro’s Small-town Mayors Take Up Climate Fight

Mayors and local officials founded Climate Action KC, and are taking measurable steps to reduce emissions and create healthier communities throughout the Kansas City metro.

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Man in a hat and glasses stands in front of rural l

Price of Progress: Grain Belt Express Pits Public Benefit and Private Property Rights in Race Against Climate Change

The Grain Belt Express, an 800-mile transmission line that would connect renewable wind energy in Kansas with customers in several states to the east, is facing opposition from landowners in its path.

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Buckets of food waste.

Curbing KC Food Waste, Tackling Climate Change

Transforming food waste into golden compost and keeping it from belching climate harming landfill gasses is the new frontier for a growing number of Kansas City area residents and companies.

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Food getting ready to be composted at Missouri Organic Recycling's facility in Liberty, Missouri.

Can YOU Really Impact Climate Change?

Eliminating food waste, ditching your timed coffeemaker and turning down your thermostat are a few helpful habits that can make a difference in the fight against climate change.

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A cornfield in Champaign County, Illinois.

Fertilizer Washes off Midwest Farm Fields and Taints Communities’ Drinking Water, Poisons Gulf of Mexico

As rainfall events become more intense and frequent, fertilizers applied to Midwestern farmland wash away, contaminating waterways near and far.

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