A Search for Solutions

An Electrify America Charging Station for electric vehicles.

Electric Vehicle Adoption Hinges on Better Access to Charging Stations

Missouri was recently ranked seventh in the nation when it came to the number of registered electric vehicle drivers and charging locations. But the region still has gaps when it comes to electrification.

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In this Feb. 1, 2021 file photo, emissions from a coal-fired power plant are silhouetted against the setting sun in Kansas City, Missouri.

Pondering the Business and Politics of Climate Change

American Public Square will convene a panel discussion at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at Donnelly College, in Kansas City, Kansas, called “The Politics of Mother Nature – The  Climate is Changing – Should You?” 

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The bur oak in the foreground is one of several trees the Heartland Tree Alliance has planted at Seven Oaks Park in Kansas City, Missouri. Mature trees in the park make it a rare cool spot in the neighborhood, according to heat data collected last year by the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Climate Change Highlights Value of 19th Century Plan for ‘A City Within a Park’ 

Civic, government and nonprofit leaders are evoking 19th century planner George Kessler’s “city within a park” concept to help address the effects of climate change in Kansas City.

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Angelica Chavez-Duckworth

Will Climate Change Prevent Me from Being a Parent? Millennials, Gen Z Question Adding More Children to the Earth

Climate anxiety is prompting growing numbers of people to seriously question whether to bring more children into the world.

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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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A young child sniffs a native flower at Powell Gardens' butterfly garden.

Letting Lawns Grow Wild, Saving Bees During ‘No Mow May’

The plight of pollinators has inspired No Mow May, a grassroots movement started by Bee City USA, which encourages folks to let their lawns briefly go untamed in order to support the bees, butterflies and moths vital to pollination.

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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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