HONOLULU — Climate Action Day in Hawai‘i on Monday marks the beginning of Hawai‘i Climate Week.
The Hawai‘i Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption Commission is organizing a state climate conference on Monday to explore the challenges of and solutions to addressing climate change through discussions on statewide actions.
Building a climate ready Hawai‘i is an ongoing priority for the state. The conference will highlight existing actions and next steps to ensure readiness for the effects of climate change. As the only state in the nation whose Legislature has declared a climate emergency, Hawai‘i’s actions against climate change often have the spotlight on the international stage.
“Climate change is an urgent issue for everyone in Hawai‘i. State government is committed to pursuing climate change strategies that are equitable, culturally appropriate and resilient, said state Board of Land and Natural Resources Chair Dawn Chang, who also serves as co-chair of the state climate commission.
“Successful mitigation and adaptation require both comprehensive education and action. We’re stepping up to the challenge of leading the world with our response to climate change.”
Climate Action Day will feature Gov. Josh Green speaking on statewide climate actions. Numerous other leaders will be participating, and will address topics including legislation, youth action, community cooling, shorelines, mobility and green investments.
Other events held during Climate Week include a Youth Summit, Science Summit, a discussion on Pacific Island Women at the United Nation’s climate change conference known as COP27, and an Energy Policy Forum. Green will speak at the forum as well.
“We can already see the impacts of climate change on our lands, ocean, economy and livelihoods,” said Scott Glenn, director of the State Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and co-chair of the state climate commission.
”This means impacted communities need a place at the table. Events like Climate Action Day provide an important opportunity for this to occur,” said Glenn.
Climate Week will also feature a suite of local organizations working on climate change issues, including the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center, University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program, Pacific RISA and East-West Center.
“Climate Action Day is a wonderful opportunity for cross-collaborative efforts to tackle climate change,” said Leah Laramee, Hawa‘i Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation coordinator.
”We are particularly excited about the many passionate keiki who are participating in these events,” she said.
Hawai‘i Climate Action Day will be held at the East-West Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To register, visit climate.hawaii.gov/hawaii-climate-week-2023/.
