Reframing for Impact: Turning Climate Conversations Toward Outcomes and Benefits
“If you concentrate on the negative, you will only see problems. If you concentrate on the positive, you will find solutions.”
At the recent Kansas City Climate Summit, our community came together for the fourth time to align on a shared goal: achieving a Net Zero region by 2050. And while the climate crisis is urgent, there was a lot to be optimistic about. From tangible progress to powerful conversations, the summit made one thing clear: hope, strategy, and collaboration are powerful forces.
Signs of Progress: Building a Greener, Smarter KC
Jeremy Knoll, Climate Action KC Executive Board Member, shared results from the soon-to-be-finalized regional GHG footprint that show something encouraging: we're moving our emission trajectory away from business as usual. That's huge.
The bulk of our regional emissions come from two main sources—buildings (63%) and transportation (34%)—and we’re seeing movement in both:
In Buildings:
Strengthened building codes are cutting emissions before they even happen.
Concrete emissions are down 30%, a material win in the fight for sustainable infrastructure.
In Transportation:
Bike lanes expanded by 700%.
250,000 more people live in walkable areas.
We’re also seeing major economic opportunities, with companies like Panasonic’s new EV battery plant bringing 4,000 jobs to the region, and attracting others in their supply chain like H&T Recharge. These shifts show how climate-smart moves are also smart business.
Navigating the Energy Transition: CLEAN. AFFORDABLE. RELIABLE.
A discussion led by Councilmember Melissa Cheatham featured voices from NRDC, Evergy, and 1898 & Co. as they explored how the region is balancing rising energy demand and our climate commitments.
Key Tension:
Evergy revealed plans to build two new natural gas plants in the region—while a cleaner option than Missouri’s historical coal-based energy mix– the move can set KC back on our climate commitments. In an effort to lower the usage, Evergy is encouraging customers to lower their energy use through efficiency programs and demand response. This shows there’s room to work smart within the parameters we are given.
How do we contribute to our climate commitments?
Advocate for more sustainable solutions like solar and wind, which, unlike natural gas, are more affordable in the long run. Missouri has already passed protections for homeowners who want to go solar, and we can bring that progress to Kansas.
The Business Case: RISK. COST. OPPORTUNITY.
The "Sustainability of Sustainability" panel—moderated by Marshall Sustainability’s own Philippa Cross—focused on how economics are outpacing politics in driving climate action. Sustainability has evolved from simple efficiency to a focus on long-term value, resilience, and innovation. Businesses are using data and technology to make smarter decisions, extend equipment life, and reduce energy use. Shifting roles, evolving regulations, and rising risks—like climate-driven insurance costs—are making sustainability a financial imperative. Local efforts, like EV infrastructure and clean energy programs, are driving market change. The path forward lies in strong partnerships, smart investment, and actions that deliver both savings and impact.
Key Insights:
Mike Kelly Chair of the Johnson County Board of Commissioners - attracting new innovative industries such as EVs to the region helps us create powerful coalitions that can advocate for wider change such as 24/7 renewable energy grids.
Clayton Daniels from US Engineering - highlighted how looking at total cost of ownership is a way to advance stronger building performance for the long term.
Greg Shelton from the City of Prairie Village - insurance premiums rose as much as 45% in the last fiscal year, implementing climate resilience measures is critical for us to ensure coverage and lower rates.
Shifting the Narrative: PIVOT. PERSUADE. PERSIST.
In a powerful session on messaging, Camille Lauer facilitated a conversation about climate communication that connects. To build support, it’s essential to understand the values of the community and tailor messaging to different audiences. Use language that resonates, especially with those who may not already be engaged. Through deep listening, you can uncover what people truly care about—often health and economic well-being—rather than abstract concepts like the climate crisis. Meeting people where they are and connecting on shared concerns is key to bringing more people into the conversation.
Key insights:
Kira Gould reminded us to speak the language of our audience: tie climate action to what they value.
Rep. Emily Weber showed how vocabulary tweaks can win bipartisan support and connect the dots to affordability, health, and community resilience.
Jasmin Moore, EarthJustice, reframed climate solutions as simply better: more affordable, healthier, and yes—even fun.
The Science of Hope
Keynote speaker Molly Kawahata—former Obama advisor and star of Patagonia’s Scale of Hope—delivered a transformative message grounded in neuroscience:
Hope is not wishful thinking. It’s the belief that the future can be better—and that you have the power to make it so. Based on Dr. Rick Snyder’s work, hope has three components:
Goals – Clear, feasible, and desirable
Agency – The will to make it happen
Pathways – The strategy to get there
Hope is proven to increase success across fields—from health to education to business. As climate leaders, we must embody hope, focus on health, and paint a clear vision of what’s possible.
Leading with Hope, Climate Communication that inspires needs to pivot in the following ways:
Make it about human health - people care most about people, connect less pollution to better health outcomes for people.
Show the promised land - show the vision of the future we want and tell people it’s coming soon
Reframe - don’t negate messages, but reframe with words that inspire
Make it inevitable - act like you are on the winning team and that winning is inevitable. People are drawn to success.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like coming together in real life with local leaders, business innovators, and passionate advocates to remind us of the power of shared progress.
At Marshall Sustainability, we help organizations turn climate strategy into action—connecting policy, communication, and business planning to build real momentum.
Ready to reframe the conversation in your company? Let’s talk.
Visit www.marshallsustainability.com
