{"query_echo":{"q":"","filters":{"geography":["Columbus"]},"warnings":[{"code":"facet_value_not_in_vocabulary","message":"Value 'Columbus' for facet 'geography' is not in the controlled vocabulary."}]},"total":{"value":13,"relation":"eq"},"page":1,"page_size":20,"self":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/api/v1/search?geography=Columbus","stability":"beta","ai_marking":{"digital_source_type":{"uri":"http://cv.iptc.org/newscodes/digitalsourcetype/trainedAlgorithmicMedia","name":"Created using Generative AI"},"notice":"Summary and key insights are generated using artificial intelligence."},"results":[{"id":"costratri-000053","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/costratri-000053","title":"State Level Climate Security: Ohio","publisher":{"name":"The Council on Strategic Risks","organization":"the-council-on-strategic-risks"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2026-09-18","source_url":"https://councilonstrategicrisks.org/2026/09/18/state-level-climate-security-ohio/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"Ohio is experiencing an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme precipitation, flooding, heat, and drought, with natural disaster costs reaching $2 to $5 billion in the first half of 2026. These hazards are compounded by aging infrastructure, including high-hazard dams and levees, and a legacy of industrial pollution from Superfund sites. The state's energy grid is under strain from extreme heat and surging demand from over 200 data centers, while state policy continues to favor fossil fuels and obstruct renewable energy development. Key military assets, such as Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, face significant flood and wildfire risks. While Ohio lacks a comprehensive statewide climate governance framework, some progress has been made through municipal adaptation plans and significant support from federal agencies like NOAA, FEMA, and the EPA.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"costratri-000053#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Ohio has seen a dramatic increase in the economic cost of natural disasters, with damages between January and June 2026 totaling $2 to $5 billion, which is approximately ten times the state's usual average for that period.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"costratri-000053#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Precipitation patterns are shifting toward higher intensity; hourly rainfall in the Ohio River Valley rose by 15% on average from 1970 to 2024, and extreme rainstorms (over 2 inches per event) have increased by 30% since the late 1990s.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"costratri-000053#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Critical infrastructure is deteriorating and under-funded, with a $16 billion shortfall in drinking water and stormwater systems over the next 20 years and an estimated $3.47 billion needed for full rehabilitation of the state's dams.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"costratri-000053#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The state's energy grid is facing dual pressures from extreme heat and the rapid expansion of data centers, with Ohio hosting more than 200 such facilities. This has led to significant costs being passed to residential ratepayers, including an estimated $9.3 billion in electricity costs between June 2025 and June 2026.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"costratri-000053#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Ohio's energy policy prioritizes fossil fuels over renewables; state lawmakers have blocked over 5.3 gigawatts of renewable energy development in the last 12 years, and the state has rejected more regulated wind and solar projects than any of 19 studied states since Senate Bill 52 (2021).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"costratri-000053#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Major military installations in Ohio are vulnerable to climate risks; Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is identified as a priority installation facing wildfire risk, and between 50% and 75% of its area is located within a designated flood zone.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"costratri-000053#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Ohio lacks a formalized statewide climate governance framework or independent climate plan, though it developed the Ohio Priority Resilience Plan in March 2024 under a federal grant program.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"costratri-000053#insight-7","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["flood","extreme heat","drought","water management","energy security","electrical grid","data center","petroleum industry","renewable energy","hydraulic fracturing","climate change adaptation","climate governance","environmental justice"],"geography_discussed":["Columbus","Cincinnati","Dayton","Toledo","Findlay","Lake Erie drainage basin","Ohio River Basin","Wayne National Forest"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["risk assessment","policy analysis"]},{"id":"rmi-000283","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-000283","title":"Bringing Solar Within Reach: A Guide for Tax-Exempt Entities to Deliver Affordable Energy to Low-Income Households","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"guide","language":"en","date_published":"2025-06-25","source_url":"https://rmi.org/resources/bringing-solar-within-reach-a-guide-for-tax-exempt-entities-to-deliver-affordable-energy-to-low-income-households/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The document outlines the RISE model, where tax-exempt organizations act as solar owners to install systems for LMI households at low or no upfront cost, utilizing the IRS 'direct pay' mechanism to claim the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit (ITC). It details an eight-step implementation process: determining project type and team, identifying ownership structures (such as green banks or CDFIs), planning capital stacks, selecting installers, conducting community engagement, constructing projects, claiming tax credits, and managing ongoing operations. The guide emphasizes the importance of trusted community messengers and provides strategies for adapting to potential policy changes regarding federal incentives.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000283#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"LMI communities have historically faced barriers to solar adoption, including high upfront costs, limited financing, and insufficient tax liability to use federal credits; as of 2023, only 26% of residential solar installations reached these communities despite them making up 46% of the US population.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000283#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The RISE model enables tax-exempt entities to serve as solar owners and receive direct cash payments from the IRS equal to certain tax credits, specifically the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit (ITC), to offset project costs.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000283#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"There are three primary solar project types suitable for the RISE model: single-family rooftop solar (using leases or PPAs), multifamily solar (where owners pass savings to tenants), and community solar (where residents sign subscription agreements).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000283#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"To avoid the IRS clawing back a portion of the ITC, the tax-exempt owner must retain ownership of the solar system for at least five years, though a period of six years is recommended for safety.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000283#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) provides a 30% base tax credit, with the possibility of an additional 40% bonus tax credit if prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements are met.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000283#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Effective community engagement for LMI residents requires trusted messengers, such as local community-based organizations (CBOs), partner nonprofits, solar ambassadors, and city officials, rather than traditional methods like cold calling.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000283#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Tax-exempt owners are advised to pre-register with the IRS at least 120 days before filing tax returns that include a direct pay election and must maintain documentation for seven years for potential audits.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000283#insight-7","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["solar energy","Community solar farm","rooftop photovoltaic system","climate finance","energy access","Green bank"],"geography_discussed":["Georgia","Ohio","Nevada","Colorado","Maryland","Minnesota","Hawaii","California","Columbus","Baltimore","Duluth","Molokaʻi"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["guide"]},{"id":"rmi-000504","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-000504","title":"Scaling Low-Income Solar with the Inflation Reduction Act","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"research paper","language":"en","date_published":"2024-09-03","source_url":"https://rmi.org/resources/scaling-low-income-solar-with-the-inflation-reduction-act/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The document argues that tax-exempt entities—such as CDFIs, green banks, and cooperatives—can overcome financial barriers to low-income solar adoption by becoming third-party owners. This model utilizes the IRA's 'direct pay' mechanism, Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) capital, and bonus tax credits to reduce costs for LMI households, who often lack the tax liability to benefit from traditional residential credits.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000504#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Low-income households face three primary barriers to solar adoption: high up-front costs, lack of affordable financing from trusted sources, and a federal tax incentive structure that requires sufficient tax liability to monetize credits. RMI analysis indicates that 40% of US households would receive no benefit from residential solar tax credits due to insufficient tax liability.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000504#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The proposed model enables tax-exempt entities to act as third-party owners, utilizing 'elective pay' (direct pay) to receive cash payments from the US Treasury for Investment Tax Credits (ITC) and Production Tax Credits (PTC). This allows projects to access bonus 'adders'—including a 10%–20% credit for LMI communities—that are unavailable to individual taxpayers under the Section 25D residential credit.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000504#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The model can significantly increase household savings compared to traditional loans. In a southern Nevada example, a system owned by an individual without tax liability might save $10,000 over 20 years, whereas a solar lease leveraging direct pay at 30% or 60% ITC could save between $12,600 and $17,800. Savings could rise to $20,400 if mission-driven lenders reduce required returns from 12% to 8%.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000504#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Several organizations have implemented versions of this model: Georgia BRIGHT (a nonprofit CDFI lease program), the Columbus Region Green Fund's Impact Solar Initiative (targeting 40 MW of solar), a partnership between Solar United Neighbors and One Roof in Duluth, MN, and the Solar4Us @ Henderson-Hopkins project in Baltimore, MD.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000504#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Implementation challenges include CDFI certification compliance (as leasing is not currently an eligible activity), Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage requirements for GGRF-funded projects, and domestic content requirements for projects 1 MW or larger to avoid ITC reductions.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000504#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The model's impact could be scaled by stacking direct pay with other capital sources, such as the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC), Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) eligible investments from commercial banks, and Program Related Investments (PRI) from philanthropic foundations.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000504#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["photovoltaics","Inflation Reduction Act of 2022","climate finance","Green bank"],"geography_discussed":["Georgia","Columbus","Duluth","Baltimore","New York City","Nevada","California"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["policy analysis","financial modeling","case study"]},{"id":"eesi-000452","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/eesi-000452","title":"ohio-churches-go-green","publisher":{"name":"Environmental and Energy Study Institute","organization":"environmental-and-energy-study-institute"},"document_type":"case study","language":"en","date_published":"2023-10-31","source_url":"https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/ohio-churches-go-green","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The Episcopal Southern Ohio Diocese established the Energy Efficiency Grant and Loan Program in July 2021 to fund energy-saving retrofits in its congregations. The program requires participants to conduct ASHRAE Level 2 energy audits and develop reduction plans to qualify for grants of up to $10,000 or low-interest loans of up to $10,000. By June 2023, the program awarded $533,047 through 56 grants and disbursed $121,207 in loans. Case studies of churches in Athens, Circleville, and Washington Court House demonstrate the adoption of LED lighting, high-efficiency furnaces, and ductless mini-split heat pumps to lower carbon emissions and operational costs. The document also notes that the Inflation Reduction Act's \"direct pay\" incentives may now encourage these nonprofits to pursue solar installations after first improving building efficiency.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"eesi-000452#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The Episcopal Southern Ohio Diocese's Energy Efficiency Grant and Loan Program, launched in July 2021, provides grants and low-interest loans of up to $10,000 each to help congregations implement energy-efficient measures such as LED lighting, insulation, and high-efficiency boilers.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"eesi-000452#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"To receive funding, churches must first complete an ASHRAE Level 2 energy audit—which includes a facility walk-through and financial analysis—and create a diocese-approved plan to reduce long-term energy usage.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"eesi-000452#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Between July 2021 and June 2023, the program awarded $533,047 across 56 grants and disbursed $121,207 in low-interest loans.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"eesi-000452#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Specific facility upgrades across Ohio churches have included the installation of ductless mini-split heat pumps, which are up to four times more efficient than fossil fuel equipment, and LED lighting that has reduced electricity bills by more than 25 percent in some cases.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"eesi-000452#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The Inflation Reduction Act's \"direct pay\" tax incentives for nonprofits are expected to make solar installations more attractive to Ohio churches, who previously prioritized building efficiency to lower costs before installing solar.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"eesi-000452#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["energy efficiency","Building retrofit","heat pump","Inflation Reduction Act of 2022","climate justice"],"geography_discussed":["Athens","Columbus","Circleville","Cincinnati","Washington Court House"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["case study"]},{"id":"rmi-000035","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-000035","title":"Competitiveness, Constraints, & Coordination: A Strategy for Accelerating Energy Transition Investment in the Great Lakes","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2023-09-26","source_url":"https://rmi.org/resources/a-strategy-for-accelerating-energy-transition-investment-in-the-great-lakes/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The Great Lakes region is positioned for an industrial renaissance in clean energy, having seen over $40 billion in new investments since 2021. However, the report argues that the region faces significant constraints, including slow population growth, a migration of manufacturing to the US South, and uneven clean electricity deployment. To overcome these, RMI suggests that states prioritize industries where they have existing 'economic complexity' and related capabilities, such as EV batteries and low-carbon steel. The report highlights the importance of coordinating across state lines to share legislative best practices—such as the creation of green banks and competitiveness funds—and recommends a regional investment attraction strategy to draw foreign direct investment. It specifically praises Illinois and Minnesota as leaders in environmental justice and workforce development frameworks.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000035#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The Great Lakes region has experienced significant recent investment in the energy transition, with more than $40 billion in new investments since the start of 2021, primarily in batteries and electric vehicles (EVs).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000035#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Most Great Lakes states lack a cohesive industrial strategy for priority energy transition sectors; for example, in EV battery manufacturing, only Michigan has strong strategic coordination, and only Minnesota has implemented demand-side mechanisms.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000035#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Economic development incentives in the region often lack quantitative targeting and best-practice design, with many subsidies going to projects with low 'feasibility scores' relative to the national average, which may limit local productivity spillovers.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000035#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The region faces a critical constraint in clean electricity deployment; as of 2021, only 10% of energy produced in the Great Lakes was renewable, the lowest share of renewable energy consumption in the US at 8%.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000035#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Labor shortages are acute due to slow population growth and 'brain drain,' though some states are leading in response: Illinois has a clean energy jobs inventory, and Pennsylvania's Commonwealth Workforce Transformation Program reserves 3% of IRA and IIJA funds for training.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000035#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Illinois and Minnesota are identified as national leaders in environmental justice and equity, with Illinois's CEJA providing $40 million annually in grants for 'Equity Eligible Persons or Communities.'","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000035#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The region possesses a strong innovation ecosystem with over 350 energy-related research centers and high patent production per capita in sustainable fuels and EVs, particularly in cities like Columbus, Indiana and Ann Arbor, Michigan.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000035#insight-7","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"State-level coordination is emerging through three legislative themes: removing local regulatory barriers to clean energy, establishing green banks to leverage the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, and creating competitiveness funds.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000035#insight-8","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Specific state initiatives to lower barriers include Michigan's Solar Energy Facilities Taxation Act (2023) and its $30 million Renewable-Ready Communities program, as well as Ohio's Payment in Lieu of Taxes program.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000035#insight-9","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Minnesota and Michigan have established competitiveness funds ($190 million and $350 million respectively) to provide matching grants and technical assistance for organizations accessing federal IRA, IIJA, and CHIPS funding.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000035#insight-10","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["energy transition","electric vehicle","low-carbon steel","Sustainable Aviation Fuel","photovoltaics","onshore wind farm","renewable electricity","industrial policy","workforce development","environmental justice","Green bank","climate finance"],"geography_discussed":["United States","Columbus","Detroit","Cincinnati","Milwaukee","Pittsburgh"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["strategic framework","gap analysis","economic assessment"]},{"id":"climcent-000331","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/climcent-000331","title":"Methodology Estimating urban heat island (UHI) index at the census tract level","publisher":{"name":"Climate Central","organization":"climate-central"},"document_type":"research paper","language":"en","date_published":"2023-07-25","source_url":"https://assets.ctfassets.net/cxgxgstp8r5d/4bC5lrbb2pjRfvsjHu81zV/9774cc03062b3bb44e5fd11533cf28c8/Methodology_for_estimating_UHI_at_the_Census_tract_level.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The document describes a six-step process to calculate the Urban Heat Island (UHI) index for U.S. cities by overlaying city boundaries, census tracts, and Land Cover Zone (LCZ) maps. The methodology involves calculating the percentage of various LCZ types within each tract and applying temperature parameters based on impervious cover, permeable surfaces, building height, albedo, and population density. City-wide values are then determined by summing the population in census tracts that exceed specific UHII temperature thresholds.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"climcent-000331#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The analysis targets the 50 largest U.S. cities by population, though eight specific cities—Long Beach, Oakland, Arlington, Columbus, El Paso, Ft. Worth, Mesa, and Virginia Beach—were excluded because they were not in the standard media market list, were part of another market, or were missing from the city shapefile.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"climcent-000331#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The UHI index is calculated by identifying Land Cover Zone (LCZ) types within census tracts and applying temperature parameters associated with impervious cover, permeable surfaces, building height, albedo, and population density, while excluding open water from the analysis.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"climcent-000331#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"City-wide population values for specific UHII threshold temperatures (such as 7°F or 8°F) are derived by summing the total population of all census tracts that exceed those designated thresholds.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"climcent-000331#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["urban heat island"],"geography_discussed":["Long Beach","Oakland","Arlington","Columbus","El Paso","Fort Worth","Mesa","Virginia Beach"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["methodology"]},{"id":"rmi-000202","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-000202","title":"Narrowing the Solar Equity Gap through Solarize","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"briefing","language":"en","date_published":"2023-02-16","source_url":"https://rmi.org/resources/narrowing-the-solar-equity-gap-through-solarize/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"RMI outlines how inclusive Solarize campaigns—community bulk-purchasing programs—can help low- and moderate-income (LMI) households overcome financial and outreach barriers to solar adoption. Drawing on support provided to over 20 US local governments in 2021 and 2022, the briefing highlights the importance of partnering with community-based organizations, securing dedicated LMI funding, and using trusted messengers to ensure equitable access to residential solar.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000202#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Between 2021 and 2022, RMI supported more than 20 US local governments in launching inclusive Solarize campaigns, resulting in over 10 MW of residential solar installed across nearly 1,200 households. These projects are projected to avoid more than 106,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide and save households over $8 million over a 25-year period. Notably, 65 percent of these installations were in low-, moderate-, or middle-income neighborhoods (<120 percent area median income), which is higher than the national average of 43 percent.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000202#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"To increase local participation and ensure equitable decision-making, inclusive campaigns should partner with national Solarize experts—such as Solar United Neighbors (SUN) or Solar Crowdsource (SCS)—and local community-based organizations (CBOs). Examples include the 2021 Miami-Dade Solar Co-op, which used over 10 partners like the South Dade NAACP Branch, and the 2022 Columbus Solar-Co-op, which partnered with IMPACT Community Action to train 17 women and BIPOC residents for clean energy jobs.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000202#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Standard bulk purchasing discounts of 10–20 percent are often insufficient to remove upfront cost barriers for LMI households. Effective campaigns secure additional funding through local funds, federal grants, or private donors. For instance, the 2022 Solar Over Louisville campaign used $100,000 from the federal Community Development Block Grant Program, while the 2021 Solarize Asheville Buncombe and 2022 Solarize KC campaigns each allocated over $100,000 in local government funds for lower-income installations.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000202#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Building trust is essential to reach historically disadvantaged residents who may have been targeted by solar scams or predatory lending. Successful strategies include using trusted CBOs for outreach, securing public endorsements from mayors, and utilizing utility bill inserts. For example, the 2021 Houston Solar Co-op achieved the majority of its nearly 300 sign-ups following a press conference from the mayor's office, and the 2021 St. Petersburg Solar Co-op used utility bill inserts to help 70 households install solar.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000202#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["Inflation Reduction Act of 2022","climate finance","Community solar farm"],"geography_discussed":["Miami-Dade County","Oklahoma City","Columbus","Irvine","Asheville","Kansas City","New Orleans","Louisville","Santa Fe","Atlanta","Savannah","El Paso","Houston","St. Petersburg"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["case study","policy recommendation"]},{"id":"wwf-000975","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/wwf-000975","title":"FOOD WASTE WARRIORS","publisher":{"name":"WWF International","organization":"wwf-international"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2019","source_url":"https://www.worldwildlife.org/documents/1734/FoodWasteWarriorR_CS_121819.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The Food Waste Warriors project analyzed plate waste in 46 US schools, finding that students waste an average of 39.2 pounds of food and 28.7 cartons of milk per year. The study highlights the significant environmental and financial costs of this waste, estimating a national impact of 530,000 tons of food waste and 45 million gallons of milk waste annually. Results indicate that simple interventions and awareness can reduce waste, with elementary schools seeing a 14.5% reduction. The report recommends policy reforms to National School Lunch Program (NSLP) portion sizes and the adoption of bulk milk dispensers to mitigate these losses.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"wwf-000975#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Across the 46 participating schools, the average student produced approximately 39.2 pounds of food waste and 28.7 cartons of milk waste per year.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"wwf-000975#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The project demonstrated that informal interventions and measurement can lead to waste reduction, with elementary schools averaging a 14.5% decrease and the overall group recording a 3% reduction in food waste.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"wwf-000975#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Extrapolating from the sample to all schools in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), national food waste (excluding milk) is estimated at 530,000 tons per year, which corresponds to 1.9 million MTCO2e of embedded greenhouse gases and 20.9 billion gallons of embedded water.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"wwf-000975#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"National milk waste in schools is estimated at 45 million gallons per year, representing a financial loss of $138 million and the emission of 361,000 MTCO2e.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"wwf-000975#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The use of bulk milk dispensers significantly reduces waste compared to cartons; dispenser milk waste was 4.5 cartons per student per year, while carton milk waste was over 32 cartons per student per year.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"wwf-000975#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"There is significant confusion among school staff regarding the 'Offer Versus Serve' (OVS) provision, often leading to students taking items they do not intend to eat because staff believe milk or other items are mandatory for reimbursement.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"wwf-000975#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Food waste levels generally decrease as students get older, though this may be influenced by factors such as lunch period length and portion sizes.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"wwf-000975#insight-7","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The report estimates that combined daily food waste across all NSLP schools could cost up to $9.7 million per day, or $1.7 billion per school year.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"wwf-000975#insight-8","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"A primary barrier to implementing waste reduction programs is the lack of time and the fact that waste management is not typically an ingrained job responsibility for teachers.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"wwf-000975#insight-9","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The use of reusable trays was qualitatively linked to a reduction in landfill waste compared to the use of Styrofoam trays.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"wwf-000975#insight-10","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["food waste","greenhouse gas emissions","water footprint","biodiversity loss","landfill","circular economy","sustainable procurement"],"geography_discussed":["Atlanta","Boulder","Cincinnati","Columbus","Indianapolis","Nashville","Phoenix","Portland","Seattle"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["waste audit","environmental impact assessment","case study"]},{"id":"ucs-000520","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/ucs-000520","title":"How Ohio Benefits from Federal Fuel Economy and Vehicle Emissions Standards","publisher":{"name":"Union of Concerned Scientists","organization":"union-of-concerned-scientists"},"document_type":"fact sheet","language":"en","date_published":"2017-08","source_url":"https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/images/reports/vehicles/cv-factsheet-mpg-benefits-ohio.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"Federal fuel economy and vehicle emissions standards have saved Ohio $1.2 billion to date and are projected to make the average Ohio household $2,200 richer by 2030. These standards are expected to create 29,700 new jobs in the state and eliminate global warming emissions nearly equivalent to those from providing electricity to Columbus.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"ucs-000520#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Federal fuel economy and global warming emissions standards have provided Ohio with $1.2 billion in savings to date.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"ucs-000520#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"By 2030, the average household in Ohio is projected to be $2,200 richer due to gas savings outweighing the upfront cost of more efficient vehicles.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"ucs-000520#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The standards are expected to generate 29,700 new jobs in Ohio.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"ucs-000520#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"In terms of environmental impact, the standards eliminate global warming emissions in Ohio that are nearly equivalent to the emissions produced by providing electricity to Columbus.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"ucs-000520#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The EPA and NHTSA established light-duty vehicle standards in 2012 aimed at nearly doubling the efficiency of new light trucks and cars by 2025.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"ucs-000520#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["energy efficiency","economic growth","job creation"],"geography_discussed":["Columbus"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["economic impact assessment","environmental impact assessment"]},{"id":"catf-000704","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/catf-000704","title":"Health Risks in Ohio from Oil and Gas Air Pollution","publisher":{"name":"Clean Air Task Force","organization":"clean-air-task-force"},"document_type":"fact sheet","language":"en","date_published":"2017-02","source_url":"https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/21094056/CATF_FactSheet_HealthEffects_OH.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The document details how oil and gas emissions, including ozone smog from across the central and western US and local toxic pollutants, cause significant health issues in Ohio. It highlights that nearly 30,000 children in Ohio suffer annual asthma attacks due to industry-linked ozone, with high concentrations in the Cleveland-Akron, Columbus, and Cincinnati areas. Additionally, it notes that over 160 tons of hazardous toxic air pollutants were emitted from more than 90,000 sites in Ohio in 2011, and over 2,500 schools are located within a half-mile of these operations.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000704#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Ozone smog originating from oil and gas pollution across the central and western US causes nearly 30,000 asthma attacks annually among children in Ohio.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000704#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Childhood asthma attacks attributed to oil and gas ozone pollution are concentrated in three major Ohio regions: over 7,500 in Cleveland-Akron, over 7,100 in greater Columbus, and over 4,500 in the Ohio portion of the Cincinnati metropolitan area.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000704#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Adults in Ohio experience over 61,000 person-days of restricted activity linked to breathing higher levels of ozone from the oil and gas industry.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000704#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"In 2011, more than 90,000 oil and gas sites in Ohio emitted over 160 tons of hazardous toxic air pollutants, including benzene, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000704#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Over 2,500 schools in Ohio are situated within a half-mile of oil and gas operations, increasing the vulnerability of children to air pollution.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000704#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["petroleum industry","air pollution","methane","public health"],"geography_discussed":["Cleveland-Akron","Columbus","Cincinnati"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["health impact assessment"]},{"id":"catf-000744","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/catf-000744","title":"A Multi-City Investigation of Exposure to Diesel Exhaust in Multiple Commuting Modes Columbus OH, Austin TX, Boston MA, New York City, NY","publisher":{"name":"Clean Air Task Force","organization":"clean-air-task-force"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2010-04-01","source_url":"https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/21093812/CATF_Pub_Diesel_Exhaust_Exposure_Investigation.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The report documents that commuters in cars, buses, trains, and ferries are routinely exposed to high levels of diesel exhaust, with ultrafine particles (UFPs) serving as the most sensitive marker of fresh diesel emissions. Findings indicate that diesel soot dominates roadway particulate matter and that in-vehicle exposures are significantly higher than ambient outdoor air, particularly in 'pull' trains and highway tunnels. The study concludes that diesel particulate filters (DPFs) are highly effective at eliminating the soot plume behind vehicles, significantly improving air quality for following commuters and pedestrians.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000744#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Commuters in cars experience their highest daily exposure to diesel particles during their trip to work, with mean ultrafine particle (UFP) exposures ranging from 4 to 8 times ambient outdoor levels and peak levels reaching 19 to 38 times ambient concentrations.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000744#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Diesel particulate filters (DPFs) significantly reduce pollution; chase studies in New York City and Boston showed that DPF-equipped buses and sanitation trucks eliminate the diesel soot plume, whereas conventional buses leave concentrated trails of soot that permeate following cars and sidewalks.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000744#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Commuter rail coaches are polluted by diesel exhaust, especially in 'pull' configurations where the locomotive is in front. In these cases, mean UFP exposures were 15-20 times outdoor air, compared to 3-5 times in 'push' trains where the locomotive is in the rear.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000744#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Underground rail stations, specifically Boston's Back Bay Station, exhibit extreme pollution levels that penetrate passenger coaches when doors open. Peak concentrations at Back Bay reached averages of 1,225 ug/m3 for PM2.5 and 157 ug/m3 for black carbon.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000744#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"In-vehicle air quality in cars is heavily influenced by ventilation settings; exposures are highest with windows open and lowest when air conditioning or heat is used with the cabin air set to recirculate.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000744#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Boston commuter ferries show very high short-term diesel smoke levels in passenger cabins, with mean peak exposures for particulate PAH reaching 117 times and black carbon 50 times the ambient outdoor air.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000744#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Pedestrians on city sidewalks in Boston and Columbus are exposed to spikes of diesel exhaust as vehicles pass, with average peak exposures for UFPs ranging from 19 to 29 times outdoor ambient levels.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000744#insight-7","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Ultrafine particles (UFPs) are identified as the most sensitive indicator of fresh diesel exhaust across all transit modes, showing rapid fluctuations in response to diesel vehicle acceleration and presence.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000744#insight-8","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Diesel trucks are the primary source of particulate matter on highways; routes that ban large trucks are characterized by lower exposures to all four measured particle pollutants.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000744#insight-9","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Electrified subways in New York and Boston generally have low combustion-related pollution, though they exhibit elevated fine particles (PM2.5) likely due to non-combustion rail dust.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000744#insight-10","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The report estimates that diesel soot is responsible for approximately 21,000 premature deaths per year in the United States.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000744#insight-11","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["particulates","air quality","public health","Transportation emission","biodiesel","compressed natural gas"],"geography_discussed":["United States","California","London","Copenhagen","Amsterdam","Mexico City","Netherlands"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["field study","exposure assessment","comparative analysis"]},{"id":"catf-000754","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/catf-000754","title":"Diesel Exhaust No Escape","publisher":{"name":"Clean Air Task Force","organization":"clean-air-task-force"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2007-02","source_url":"https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/21093815/CATF_Pub_No_Escape_Diesel_Exhaust.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The Clean Air Task Force (CATF) conducted monitoring in Austin, Boston, New York City, and Columbus to assess diesel exhaust exposure during commutes. The study found that commuters in cars, buses, and trains are exposed to diesel particle levels significantly higher than ambient outdoor air, with the highest concentrations occurring in the presence of heavy truck traffic or when trains are pulled by locomotives. The report highlights that while commuting accounts for only about 6% of a person's day, it may contribute over half of their daily exposure to ultrafine particles. To mitigate these risks, the report recommends retrofitting existing diesel engines with diesel particulate filters (DPFs), which can reduce particle emissions by up to 90%.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000754#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Commuters experience a disproportionate amount of their daily exposure to ultrafine particles during their travel time, with some estimates suggesting over half of daily exposure occurs during the approximately 6% of the day spent commuting.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000754#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Monitoring in Austin, Boston, New York City, and Columbus showed that diesel particle levels inside commuter cars, buses, and trains were four to eight times higher than the ambient outdoor air in those cities.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000754#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"In-cabin exposure for car commuters is strongly linked to the presence of diesel trucks; for example, in Austin, ultrafine particle levels were consistently higher on Interstate 35 (a truck route) than on the MOPAC expressway, which prohibits heavy trucks.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000754#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Commuter train exposure varies significantly based on whether the locomotive is pushing or pulling the coaches; pulled trains showed ultrafine particle levels up to 17 times greater than outdoor air because the exhaust plume invades the coaches.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000754#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Diesel particulate filters (DPFs) are highly effective at reducing emissions, with the ability to reduce tailpipe particle emissions by up to 90%, virtually eliminating exposure for passengers in retrofitted buses and for drivers in cars following retrofitted trucks.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000754#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Exposure to diesel fine particles is linked to severe health outcomes, including lung cancer, cardiovascular death, stroke, and reduced lung function growth in children living near freeways.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000754#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The report recommends that the U.S. EPA adopt an engine rebuild rule requiring long-haul trucks to upgrade emission controls whenever engines are rebuilt, as these vehicles contribute the majority of on-road diesel pollution.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"catf-000754#insight-7","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["particulates","air quality","public health","Transportation emission"],"geography_discussed":["California","London","Amsterdam","Mexico City","Austria","France","Switzerland"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["exposure monitoring","health impact assessment","policy analysis"]},{"id":"commyale-000170","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/commyale-000170","title":"Climate Change in the Columbus, Ohioan Mind","publisher":{"name":"Yale Program on Climate Change Communication","organization":"yale-program-on-climate-change-communication"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":null,"source_url":"https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/app/uploads/2016/02/2013_10_Climate-Change-in-the-Columbus-Ohioan-Mind.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The report finds that while 70% of Columbus residents believe global warming is happening and many are worried about it, there is significant uncertainty regarding scientific consensus and personal experience with its effects. A majority support clean energy transitions and believe the U.S. should reduce emissions regardless of other countries' actions, though they remain skeptical about humanity's collective will to successfully reduce global warming.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commyale-000170#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"A majority of Columbus residents believe global warming is occurring, though views on its cause and scientific consensus are divided. While 70% believe it is happening, only 49% attribute it mostly to human activities, and 49% believe \"there is a lot of disagreement among scientists\" regarding its occurrence.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commyale-000170#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Residents generally view global warming as a personal concern, yet few feel they have experienced its effects firsthand. Approximately 69% consider the issue at least somewhat important personally and 56% are at least somewhat worried, but 51% report they have not personally experienced the effects of global warming.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commyale-000170#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Those who believe global warming is happening anticipate severe local impacts over the next 50 years, particularly regarding heat and storms. High percentages expect more heat waves (91%), worse storms (88%), and increased health problems such as allergies and asthma (88%).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commyale-000170#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"There is broad support for government and corporate action to address climate change, with a preference for U.S. leadership. Over half of respondents believe more should be done by Congress (61%), President Obama (57%), and local officials (57%), while 65% state the U.S. should reduce emissions \"regardless of whether other countries do the same.\"","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commyale-000170#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Columbus residents show strong support for clean energy policies and perceive economic benefits in transitioning away from fossil fuels. 77% support tax rebates for energy-efficient vehicles or solar panels, and 47% believe switching to clean energy would \"increase economic growth and the number of jobs\" in the area.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commyale-000170#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"While many residents engage in individual mitigation efforts and believe collective action is effective, there is deep skepticism about whether humanity will actually succeed. Only 5% believe humans can reduce global warming and \"will do so successfully,\" while 42% believe it is \"unclear at this point whether we will do what is needed.\"","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commyale-000170#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["climate change","greenhouse gas emissions","solar energy","wind power","hydraulic fracturing","climate change communication","climate impact","heat wave","flood","drought","climate policy"],"geography_discussed":["Ohio","United States"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["public opinion survey"]}]}