Spotlights
January: Climate 101
We kick off the Year of Climate Action by grounding our understanding of the climate crisis and its unique impacts on Hawaiʻi. Learning about what happens in our environment as a result of climate change, such as rising temperatures, sea level rise, and changing rainfall patterns is essential for recognizing the ways that these changes in the climate can affect our homes, ecosystems, communities, and livelihoods.
February: Equity
Climate change disproportionately impacts marginalized and underserved communities including Kānaka Maoli and pacific islanders, low income, kūpuna and keiki. Equitable climate action means ensuring that all members of a community have a voice in the decision-making processes and have access to resources that allow them to participate in the transition to a climate ready Hawai’i. This is why for the month of February, we center equity in the face of the climate crisis.
March: Resilience
As an island state, we are already experiencing climate change, necessitating urgent action to build resilience as a community. For communities in Hawaiʻi, building resilience means being able to withstand and recover from climate change impacts while also strengthening cultural identity and community ties. For the month of March, we will focus on resilience in the midst of the climate crisis.
April: Culture
In addressing the pressing environmental challenges amidst the climate crisis, it is important that we integrate cultural values and practices in the actions we take around climate hazards. By doing so, we build a more effective, inclusive, sustainable approach to addressing the climate crisis. Realizing the ways in which the environment is so deeply intertwined with the indigenous people who have tended to it for generations, we hone in on culture for the month of April.
May: Affordability
Our actions towards climate change mitigation mean nothing if a sustainable future isn’t accessible to all. This is why, for the month of May, we focus on affordability. Understanding that rising costs of energy, on top of costs of living, can be barriers to adopting green practices, we hope to highlight the importance of making sustainability affordable for all community members to contribute to and benefit from.
June: Waste
When it isn’t properly managed, waste significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Waste management is crucial for addressing climate change in Hawaii, this is why June is all about waste. Proper waste management reduces green gas emissions from landfills, where organic materials are left to decompose and release methane—a potent greenhouse gas. The islands face the pressing problem of single use plastics, which not only pollute our marine environments but also require substantial energy for both production and disposal.
July: ʻĀina
The concept of malama ʻaina, care for the land, exemplifies a kind of environmental stewardship that has been practiced for many years. These values reflect a deep respect for both the land and its resources. Climate solutions based in nature are best for Hawaiʻi. For the month of July, we focus on ʻaina.
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August: Health
There exists a strong connection between climate change and public health. Events of extreme weather, poor air quality, infectious diseases, and mental health issues are some of the realities we face as result of our changing climate. It is for these reasons that we must start treating the climate crisis like a public health crisis. A comprehensive approach that recognizes the ways in which our climate and health are intertwined will help us to build healthier communities and a more sustainable future for everyone. This is why, for the month of August, we prioritize climate action as a matter of public health.
September: Water
For the month of September, we highlight the critical role of water in sustaining life and sustaining our communities. Climate change is threatening the availability of fresh water and the health of our oceans. The change in rainfall patterns as a result of climate change threatens our ability to access clean drinking water. Less rain also leads to drought and wildfires.
October: Food
In Hawaii, the issue of food in the context of the climate crisis is a critical one as our islands face unique challenges that threaten agricultural productivity and food security. This is why we focus on food for the month of October.
November: Keiki and Kūpuna
Our youth and kupuna are both vital to climate change action in Hawaii. Our youth represent the future and are crucial for driving innovation and advocating for policies that promote sustainable climate action. Our kupuna carry invaluable traditional knowledge that can inform climate strategies today. For the month of November, we center on our keiki and kupuna.
December: Community
Our ability to navigate through the climate crisis and all of its challenges is not possible without community. Community-based initiatives in the face of climate change enhances resilience by drawing on both local and traditional knowledge and practices. To end the year off strong, December is all about community.
January
We kick off the Year of Climate Action by grounding our understanding of the climate crisis and its unique impacts on Hawai‘i. Learning about what happens in our environment as a result of climate change such as rising temperatures, sea level rise, and changing rainfall patterns is essential for recognizing the ways that these changes in the climate can affect our homes, ecosystems, communities, and livelihoods.
Hawai‘i leads the nation in becoming the first to commit to net zero emission energy production and net negative carbon economy. The state seeks to lead by example in adapting to the impacts and mitigating the extent of climate change, being the first state in the U.S. to declare a climate emergency in April of 2021. However, we are currently not on track to meet our 2045 decarbonization goal. Accelerated actions needs to be taken to reach these goals and support communities adapting to the climate impacts that are already here.
February
Climate change disproportionately impacts marginalized and underserved communities including Kānaka Maoli, Pacific Islanders, low-income, kūpuna, and keiki. Equitable climate actions means ensuring that all members of community have a voice in the decision-making processes and have access to resources that allow them to participate in the transition to a climate-ready Hawai‘i. This is why for the month of February, we center equity in the face of the climate crisis.
Prioritizing equity while we fight climate change address its impacts will allow for the creation of more inclusive policies that address systemic inequalities and empower communities for generations to come.
Climate equity is the process of ensuring that Hawai‘i’s climate change responses prioritize and uplift disadvantaged communities, particularly those most burdened by the effects of climate change as well as colonialism and historical inequities. Mitigation and adaption strategies should incorporate traditional, place-based Native Hawaiian knowledge, provide equitable access to resources, and prevent future inequities through systemic change. This process must also ensure that the economic benefits of transitioning to a climate-smart economy are shared among all residents, particularly vulnerable, and historically marginalized communities.
Energy Access
In Hawai‘i’s transition to renewable energy, it is crucial that vulnerable communities are able to benefit. Increase access to financing mechanisms that allow low-income communities to adopt clean renewable energy resources such as community-based renewable energy (CBRE) projects will help achieve equitable energy transition.
Exposure and Recovery
Climate change hazards disproportionately affect low-income and Native Hawaiian communities due to limited resources for recovery. It is important that vulnerable populations are receiving adequate support before, during, and after climate-related disasters. Equitable access to disaster preparedness, response resources, and long-term recovery efforts provide long-term community resilience. Resilience hubs are emerging models for building resilience and emergency support capacity. Adequate insurance coverage is getting harder for vulnerable households to afford and even find coverage, and this needs to be addressed to ensure that our most burdened communities can recover from climate hazards and natural disasters.
Workforce
As Hawai‘i transitions to a climate-smart economy, we need to ensure that Native Hawaiians, low-income, and disadvantaged communities have access to training and job opportunities in emerging sectors. We are focused on creating pathways for equitable workforce development in green economy sectors, including career training programs and educational opportunities. It is important to foster collaboration between different local groups that are addressing workforce development, and through such collaboration we aim to support targeted programs that reduce employment disparities and promote inclusive economic growth that addresses emerging climate challenges.
MARCH
As an island state, we are already experiencing climate change, necessitating urgent action to build resilience as a community. For communities in Hawai‘i, building resilience means being able to withstand and recover from climate change impacts while also strengthening cultural identity and community ties. For the month of March, we will focus on resilience in the midst of the climate crisis.
Disaster Insurance
As climate disasters such as storms, wildfires, and flooding become more frequent as a result of climate change, communities become faced with issues regarding personal insurance coverage. The lack of insurance coverage and increasing insurance premiums are a threat that communities face, impacting their capacity to recover following disasters.
APRIL
In addressing the pressing environmental challenges amidst the climate crisis, it is important that we integrate cultural values and practices in the actions we take around climate hazards. By doing so, we build a more effective, inclusive, sustainable approach to addressing the climate crisis. Realizing the ways in which the environment is so deeply intertwined with the indigenous people who have tended to it for generations, we hone in on culture for the month of April.
Incorporating Hawaiian knowledge into climate action underscores the deep connection between culture and the environment. By weaving traditional practices into present-day climate initiatives, we are drawing on this wisdom to allow us to enhance the resilience of our communities.
Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)
We recognize that there is a deep understanding of local ecosystems and sustainable resource management practices passed down through generations of Native Hawaiian communities. Incorporating TEK and ‘ike kūpuna into Hawai‘i’s climate change policies is essential for ensuring that solutions are culturally appropriate, sustainable, and rooted in place-based stewardship practices. TEK should inform adaptation and mitigation efforts, respecting Native Hawaiian knowledge systems and empowering these communities in decision-making processes. Traditional agriculture, loko i‘a, fisheries management, have valuable positive effects on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Mistrust
The history of colonialism and all of its impacts are not foreign to Hawai‘i. Colonialism and the occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom sit at the root of the economic, social, and environmental disparities that we face today. Additionally, there is complex history of environmental mismanagement due to capitalist interests, which leaves many locals and Hawaiians feeling distrustful of our state government’s efforts to address environmental concerns. The historical lack of inclusion of Hawaiian voices in decision-making processes has created a current situation of mistrust that impedes successful and united efforts to address our current climate and socioeconomic challenges. This makes it difficult to gather data, form relationships, and foster collaboration with community members and leaders. This demonstrates that needs for sensitive and appropriate outreach and education showing the benefits of our efforts to adapt to climate change threats. We must build trust through transparent, culturally sensitive, and community-driven approaches, by working with local community organizations, and building relationships of trust and reciprocation.
Merrie Monarch
The Merrie Monarch Festival is a celebration and demonstration of Hawaiian cultural values, these values are valuable in informing our path forward as we address all of Hawai‘i’s challenges. We hope to align our efforts with the cultural values perpetuated through events such as Merrie Monarch and would like to celebrate the important value of carrying on Hawaiian traditions and knowledge to inform our action of the future.
MAY
Our actions towards climate change mitigation mean nothing if a sustainable future isn’t accessible to all. This is why, for the month of May, we focus on affordability. Understanding that rising costs of energy, on top of costs of living, can be barriers to adopting green practices, we hope to highlight the importance of making sustainability affordable for all community members to contribute to and benefit from.
In Hawai‘i, the issue of affordability in the content of the climate crisis is a particularly pressing one. Addressing these interconnected affordability issues is crucial in fostering equity and resilience.
Energy
The transition to renewable energy, a vital step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, comes with high upfront costs that disproportionately burden low-income households. Energy affordability is crucial for populations vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Transportation Choices
Transportation options, especially in more rural areas, can limit access to affordable electric vehicles, furthering reliance on fossil fuels.
Insurance
Lack of insurance coverage and increasing premiums are a looming threat that will increasingly diminish communities’ capacity to recover equitably following disasters. We are working with insurance experts to explore novel solutions to provide disaster insurance to vulnerable communities.
Food
As climate change threatens the agricultural sector, rising food prices burdens already struggling households. There is a disproportionate burden of food insecurity among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders, Asian-Americans, and low-income groups. Under the threat of climate change, the food system must be protected in order to prevent a complete disruption of the food chain.
JUNE
When it isn’t properly managed, waste significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Waste management is crucial for addressing climate change in Hawai‘i, this is why June is all about waste. Proper waste management reduces greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, where organic materials are left to decompose and release methane–a potent greenhouse gas. The islands face the pressing problem of single use plastics, which not only pollute our marine environments but also require substantial energy for both production and disposal.
Circular Economy
Embracing a circular economy in which materials are reused and repurposed could help to significantly reduce waste while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
JULY
The concept of mālama ‘āina, care for the land, exemplifies a kind of environmental stewardship that has been practiced for many years. These values reflect a deep respect for both the land and its resources. Climate solutions based in nature are best for Hawai‘i.
Ahupua‘a
The management of water and land resources through the ahupua‘a systems is an example of a sustainable practice that sustained Hawaiian ecosystems for generations. Through the promotion of ahupua‘a, we can honor traditional practices and emphasize the need to protect our natural resources for generations to come.
AUGUST
There exists a strong connection between climate change and public health. Events of extreme weather, poor air quality, infectious diseases, and mental health issues are some of the realities we face as result of our changing climate. It is for these reasons that we must start treating the climate crisis like a public health crisis. A comprehensive approach that recognizes the ways in which our climate and health are intertwined will help us to build healthier communities and a more sustainable future for everyone. This is why, for the month of September, we prioritize climate action as a matter of public health.
Reduction of GHG
We can improve air quality through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Mental Health Impacts
Climate change can contribute to stress and anxiety within communities.
SEPTEMBER
For the month of September, we highlight the critical role of water in sustaining life and sustaining our communities. Climate change is threatening the availability of fresh water and the health of our oceans. The change in rainfall patterns as a result of climate change threatens our ability to access clean drinking water. Less rain also leads to drought and wildfires.
Vulnerable communities bear the brunt of these challenges, facing inequities in accessing clean and reliable sources of water.
Water Management
Climate change alters precipitation patterns, leading to periods of drought that threaten freshwater supplies, particularly for agricultural use and drinking water. Implementing sustainable water management practices, such as rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation, is crucial for enhancing resilience against climate impacts.
Water Conservation
The islands are already naturally limited in freshwater sources. Significant decreases in rainfall leads to potential droughts and added stress on the available water supply.
OCTOBER
In Hawai‘i, the issue of food in the context of the climate crisis is a critical one as our islands face unique challenges that threaten agricultural productivity and food security. This is why we focus on food for the month of October.
Climate change threatens local food security in Hawai‘i by impacting crop yields and increasing our reliance on imported foods. Hawai‘i imports most of its food, meaning that we are already vulnerable to the impacts of supply chain disruptions. Local food production can help mitigate these issues.
Traditional practices
Incorporating traditional Hawaiian farming practices can be integrated into climate smart agriculture. Traditional Hawaiian food production practices are often more resilient to changing environmental conditions, can promote biodiversity, and provide a more sustainable food system compared to larger-scale, non-native agricultural methods.
Emergency Supply
An emergency food supply is essential when talking about climate disasters such as droughts, floods, and storms because these extreme weather events disrupt food production and distribution chains leading to food shortages. It is important that readily available food reserves are established for people to access food and nutrition during these times.
Climate Smart Production
Hawai‘i is heavily reliant on imported food, making it vulnerable to disruptions caused by extreme weather events links to climate change. By adopting climate-smart practices like water conservation techniques and drought-resistant crops, local farmers can increase food security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, and build resilience against changing weather patterns, like droughts and heavy rainfall.
Soil
Soil is the second largest carbon sink after the oceans, making it stores vast quantities of carbon dioxide that would otherwise be free in the atmosphere. Soil is crucial for both food production and mitigating the effects of climate change.
NOVEMBER
Our youth and kūpuna are both vital to climate change action in Hawai‘i. Our youth represent the future and are crucial for driving innovation and advocating for policies that promote sustainable climate action. Our kūpuna carry invaluable traditional knowledge that can inform climate strategies today. By including kūpuna in our discussions on the climate, we both honor their contributions and ensure that cultural values guides our approaches. Collaboration of the youth and kūpuna is a representation of the kind of intergenerational dialogue and holistic approach that is needed in generating solutions specific to the unique challenges faced by Hawai‘i communities as a result of the climate crisis.
Policy Engagement
The youth of our communities bring innovative ideas and a sense of urgency when talking about issues of climate change. Their generation and their future are the most affected by climate change. Youth engagement in climate policy ensures that these policies consider long-term impacts.
Schools can implement programs that educate students about local ecosystems and climate issues when encouraging them to advocate for their communities. Community events help to promote awareness and celebrate cultural practices that support environmental stewardship.
DECEMBER
Our ability to navigate through the climate crisis and all of its challenges is not possible without community. Community-based initiatives in the face of climate change enhances resilience by drawing on both local and traditional knowledges and practices. With the local community involved in these decision-making processes, the voices and concerns of the people most directly impacted help to guide the direction of climate solutions. Climate policies and actions are more effective when communities are empowered to support and participate in them.
Walkable
Walkable communities are important for Hawai‘i because they significantly reduce our reliance on cards, which are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions in the state. Walkable communities allow for walking, biking, or the use of public transportation for daily travel needs, lowering the carbon footprint and contributing to cleaner air quality.
Community Solar
In 2015, Act 100 of the Hawai‘i State Legislature directed the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission to establish a “community-based renewable energy” tariff. Community-based renewable energy is also commonly referred to as “community solar.”
The stated intent of the program is “to make benefits of renewable energy generation more accessible to a greater number” of Hawai‘i residents and businesses who would otherwise be unable to directly participate in renewable energy generations for reasons such as lack of up-front capital for their own renewable energy systems; building or home location; building type or roof design that may not be able to physically support the solar panels; proximity or other limited access to the utility grid; and/or property ownership status.
Urban Forests
Urban forests are crucial to mitigating climate change in Hawai‘i because they help to cool urban areas by providing shade, absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, manage, stormwater runoff, and improve air quality, all of which are particularly important in a tropical climate facing rising temperatures and increased rainfall intensity due to climate change.
Utilizing native tree species in urban forests is important for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.