Climate Change Threatens Hawaii: Experts Warn of Immediate and Severe Impacts

A group of professionals gathered on Thursday at the state capitol to raise awareness about the urgent and significant threat that climate change poses to Hawaii. The informational briefing, hosted by Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment Chair Mike Gabbard and West Hawaii Rep. Nicole Lowe, aimed to highlight the immediacy and magnitude of the climate crisis.

The Urgent Need for Action

Gabbard emphasized the importance of recognizing the existence and scope of the problem in order to effectively address it. Denial, he warned, only worsens the situation. He called on everyone to join forces in countering and mitigating climate change as well as adapting to its impacts.

Impact on Hurricanes and Drought

State Climatologist Pao-Shin Chu presented evidence of the effects of climate change on hurricanes and drought in Hawaii. He explained that as the Earth’s temperature rises, tropical cyclones and hurricanes in the Central Pacific will become stronger. He also anticipated a higher frequency of storms impacting the state and a shift towards earlier storm seasons.

Chu further highlighted that El Nino cycles, characterized by weakened trade winds and warmer ocean waters, contribute to droughts and wildfires in Hawaii. He expressed concerns about the increased intensity and extent of droughts, especially in recent decades.

Increasing Heat and Global Warming Trends

Dr. Charles “Chip” Fletcher, interim School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology dean, warned that 2023 was the hottest year on record. He attributed this to the formation of heat domes caused by a warming Arctic, leading to unstable jet streams and extremely high temperatures. Fletcher also noted that global sea ice levels are drastically lower than in previous years, indicating accelerated global warming.

Furthermore, Fletcher pointed out that current trends suggest a rise in global temperatures of nearly 3 degrees Celsius, exceeding the target set by the Paris Agreement. He emphasized the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 28% before 2030 in order to limit temperature rise within acceptable levels.

Impacts on Ecosystems, Health, and Infrastructure

Victoria Keener, co-lead of the Pacific Regional Integrated Sciences & Assessments Program, highlighted the findings of the National Climate Assessment. The report emphasized that climate change exacerbates existing inequities and poses threats to ecosystems, cultural resources, human health, livelihoods, and access to water and food.

Keener specifically noted that the number of hot days per year in Hawaii has significantly increased, while rainfall has been declining, especially in West Hawaii. She emphasized the urgent need for adaptation to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect food security, as rising temperatures and sea levels threaten access to healthy food and water.

She also highlighted that climate change is responsible for a significant number of heat-related deaths and an increase in wildfires that damage native ecosystems.

The rising sea levels present a threat to Hawaii’s infrastructure and economy, particularly its ports and airports. Tammy Lee from the Department of Transportation discussed the need for elevating runways and retrofitting facilities in airports to mitigate flooding. She stressed that ports may also require structural adjustments and erosion prevention measures.

The Time for Action is Now

Today’s briefing served as a reminder to policymakers and empowers them with the latest information on climate change. Rep. Nicole Lowe expressed her hope that the public would also be educated on these pressing issues.

It is clear that Hawaii is facing immediate and severe consequences as a result of climate change. Without prompt and decisive action, the threats to the state’s ecosystems, health, and infrastructure will continue to escalate. Urgent measures are needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change and build resilience in the face of this global challenge.