Summit on environmental action draws hundreds

Hundreds of advocates, policymakers, community leaders and residents gathered for the 2025 Climate Action Summit, held April 5 at the Unity Temple on the Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri. 

The event kicked off with an update on the region's progress toward its goals, highlighting both achievements and the challenges ahead. Highlights of the program included:

• Panel discussions about the transition to cleaner, more affordable energy; the economic benefits of environmental action; and the importance of clearly communicating to a variety of audiences.
• Keynote speaker Molly Kawahata, who focused on transforming complex environmental issues into compelling stories about each person’s ability to empower themselves to take action. An avid ice climber, Kawahata spoke about hope as a mindset and tool for achieving your goals. She shared her struggles with mental health and the inspiration she gleans from her grandparents’ faith in a better tomorrow, even during their internment during WWII.

During the event, more than 30 elected leaders gathered for brainstorming and breakout sessions on the power of local action. A big takeaway there was the momentum already happening in all pockets of the region, and a significant opportunity for municipalities working together on initiatives whose benefits cross jurisdictional lines.

MARC collaborates with Climate Action KC, a nonprofit regional collaborative bringing elected officials and community leaders together to reduce emissions, invigorate the economy, promote public health and improve the quality of life across the Kansas City region.

Learn more about the region's planning: https://kcmetroclimateplan.org/