Hawaii is facing serious challenges due to climate change. Rising sea levels, stronger tropical storms, droughts, sudden heavy rains and warming oceans are already affecting the islands. These are not distant risks, they are happening now. Some still treat sea level rise as only an environmental concern but this is misleading and dangerous. It is a scientific issue that needs urgent action. Policies must rely on science to protect Hawaii’s people, economy and future.
A report from the Congressional Budget Office highlights the urgency. Even if emissions decrease, atmospheric carbon dioxide will continue to rise, increasing global temperatures by 2.9 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. This sea level rise will worsen extreme weather, cause more flooding, harm ecosystems and create droughts.
In Hawaii, the impacts are already visible. Coastal erosion, flooding, reduced freshwater supplies and threats to marine life are growing concerns. By 2050, sea levels could rise by one foot. By the century’s end, a rise of over three feet could flood nearly 26,000 acres of coastal land including homes and cultural sites. Without action, the islands face severe economic and social consequences.
Some argue against climate policies calling them either unnecessary or expensive. But the costs of doing nothing far outweigh these. If Hawaii does not adapt, it will likely see uninsurable properties, reduced investments and a loss of residents and businesses. Strong policies like updating building codes and banning construction in flood prone areas can save lives and protect infrastructure.
These actions also advance equity. Low income communities and Native Hawaiians are most at risk from climate impacts. Science based policies can help ensure that everyone benefits from safer homes to better resources.
History in Hawaii provides a background in resilience and innovation that can lead the response. The choice of scientifically driven policies will enable these islands to lead the others in climate resilience thus showing how to protect one’s coastline. Protection of Hawaii not only protects its people and culture but also their future.
