What is one common misconception about Hawaii’s climate issues?
“A common misconception is that climate issues in Hawai‘i are primarily environmental concerns disconnected from businesses and local communities. In reality, climate change impacts are deeply intertwined with economic and social well-being.”
Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and sea level rise affect workforce productivity, supply chains, and community resilience. Addressing climate challenges requires a systemic approach, involving not just folks concerned about our climate but also businesses, policymakers, and local stakeholders.
What is one thing you would like readers to know about your organization or climate change in general?
Climate Hawai‘i would like readers to know that addressing climate change in Hawai‘i is not just about protecting the environment—it’s about safeguarding our communities, culture, and way of life. Hawai‘i is on the frontlines of the climate crisis, facing rising sea levels, more frequent and intense storms, and threats to our unique ecosystems and local food systems. By taking bold, collaborative action now, we can build a resilient, sustainable future that honors our state’s values. Everyone has a role to play, and together, we can ensure that Hawai‘i remains a thriving home for generations to come.
What is one thing you’re most proud of that you were able to accomplish this past year?
This past year we hosted our first ever Climate Leadership Awards at Washington Place where we recognized organizations and individuals who have been impactful in accelerating our clean energy and climate-resilient future. Our aim is to not only celebrate individuals and organizations making positive changes for our climate, but to inspire and mobilize others to act. The recipients from our inaugural awards are:
Individual Climate Hero: former Governor David Ige
Business Climate Champion: Pacific Biodiesel Technologies, LLC
Innovative Climate Solution: The Nature Conservancy in Hawai’i and Palmyra
Non-Profit or Government Advocate: Gwen Yamamoto Lau
What can readers do to help your organization get to its goals?
Readers can support us by:
- Advocating for policy and participating in initiatives that promote climate resilience and energy security / decarbonization.
- Partnering with Climate Hawai‘i to share knowledge, expertise, and resources that can catalyze meaningful action. Climate Hawai’i operates by working directly with organizations and its leadership team, so we would encourage your readers to reach out to leadership of organizations they are affiliated with big or small to take our climate pledge and collaborate with other organizations seeking to make progress in the climate space!
- Amplifying the stories of organizations already making a difference and encouraging their networks to do the same.
How can readers learn more about your organization and what you are up to?
Readers can learn more about our organization by checking out our website climatehawaii.earth as well as following us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we post content from our events throughout the year.
Thank you so much Nicolai! I’ve learned so much about your organization and hope everyone here did so too.
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