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.  

Hawaiʻi 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 action needs to be taken to reach these goals and support communities in adapting to the climate impacts that are already here.  

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. 

Prioritizing equity while we fight climate change and address its impacts will allow for the creation of more inclusive policies that address systemic inequalities and empower marginalized communities for generations to come.  

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.  

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. 

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 Hawaii, the issue of affordability in the context of the climate crisis is a particularly pressing one. Addressing these interconnected affordability issues is crucial in fostering equity and resilience. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

Climate change threatens local food security in Hawaii by impacting crop yields and increasing our reliance on imported foods. Hawaii 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. 

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. By including kupuna in our discussions on the climate, we both honor their contributions and ensure that cultural values guide our approaches. Collaboration of the youth and kupuna 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 Hawaii communities as a result of the climate crisis. 

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. 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. 

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