Is Hawaii (and are we) making a difference in addressing Climate Change?

Editorial

Hawaii has a historic  leadership role dating back to the late 1990’s when the state first addressed Climate Change directly, beginning with a statewide conversion goal to clean and 100% locally produced and consumed electricity.

As one of the first states to establish a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), Hawaii set the goal for the year 2045 to achieve a 100% clean and renewable energy power grid — think of it, a statewide electricity grid fueled by the sun and wind and other locally available zero emissions, renewable and sustainable clean power — no imported oil, coal, or gas..

This long range and ambitious RPS transition to a clean energy economy was helped along by several new laws which went into effect after a highly successful 2021 state legislative session, which was supported by Governor Ige, and which advances the statewide adoption and transition to zero emissions Electric Vehicles — all with the potential to be fueled by locally-produced clean power.  Hawaii’s transportation emissions today account for nearly 40% of the state’s global warming emissions. A statewide transition to Electric Vehicles could reduce CO2 emissions in Hawaii by 93% in less than 30 years, according to Science Daily —  https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/07/210707185319.htm

Yes, it’s tempting to think that the problem is too large for you to personally even try to solve. But here too, there is good news. In this moment of crisis we find ourselves in, going it alone is not what’s required of us. “How to fight climate despair” is an article which offers some insightful guidance.

The key to turning despair into action is to think beyond the individual and seek community support and solutions — something we do this especially well with Hawaii’s “can do” aloha community spirit.

Governments and companies can and must make a large-scale transition to zero emissions energy options and sustainable business practices. This isn’t just a good will move, there are far greater efficiencies and operating cost savings that comes with change and breaking the mold of business-as-usual. A business operating transition with profit incentives by curtailing emissions and saving money at the same time through 21st century clean energy efficiencies.

The current infrastructure bills (1 & 2) making their way through Congress offer a number of financial incentives for the business sector beyond the normal round of investment tax credits.  For more details see — https://www.beyondkona.com/whats-in-the-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill-for-hawaii/

Public awareness and participation also play key roles in directing the commercial sector – after all, the customer (consumers) holds the ultimate sway in motivating companies not to pollute and to move forward with products and services compatible with sustainable business practices, and not getting stuck in the past.

Consider the next car or truck you purchase (new or used) to be electric — not gas or diesel.

Consider a solar energy rooftop energy to directly fuel your electric car or truck and/or consider riding with public transportation options, when practical, and when such options are zero emissions buses coming soon to all islands.

Eat locally grown food whenever possible and practical.

Vote Climate! It’s the overarching issue of our time which affects our future, and that of our children and the generations to follow.

Global Warming presents life-threatening problems and solutions, something we all share in, regardless of our wealth or location.  The most detrimental thing to climate action and progress is this feeling that you are alone and powerless — you’re not.  In all, each of us can participate in the solution side of Climate Change by lowering our personal carbon footprint in the choices we make, in the products we consume, and the actions we take.