BeyondKONA: Politics & Policy
Power, politics, money, and finally policy are undeniably linked in every modern democracy, and Hawai’i is no different in this regard, yet the Aloha spirit can set Hawai’i apart from mainland and global political influences. Vested interests may work to divide us, but we are one island and one community living together here on Hawai’i Island.
Outsized voices seek to fulfill special interest agendas; some succeed by influencing government policy that benefits a few at the expense of many. Hawai’i can transition to a home grown clean energy economy that benefits all, and supports sustainable lifestyles once successfully practiced by the ancient Hawaiians serving as our guide for the 21st century.
Hawaii’s rich environment and its people are its primary assets. Community participation is the political engine that drives policy and solutions — both require public voices to be heard loud and clear in our island community and across the state legislature. All good things are possible when guided by science, progressive governance, cultural and economic fulfillment.
- How Bridge tallied $259M in public costs for auto industry pollutionby Megan McLaughlin on September 25, 2023 at 5:52 pm
Our first-of-its-kind analysis identified at least $259 million in publicly subsidized cleanups at more than 100 sites linked to Michigan’s automotive […]
- Louisiana consultant spent 13 years drafting energy efficiency rulesby Megan McLaughlin on September 25, 2023 at 5:45 pm
“After 13 years, we can’t call it Quick Start anymore”: Utility opposition to proposed efficiency rules is part of the reason consultants have delayed […]
- ‘In total shock’: Birdwatchers amazed as ‘uber-rare’ American birds land in UKby Megan McLaughlin on September 25, 2023 at 5:43 pm
Birders have flocked in their hundreds to see the songbirds, blown across the Atlantic by Hurricane Lee
- Fracking for oil and gas is devouring American groundwaterby Megan McLaughlin on September 25, 2023 at 5:32 pm
A Times analysis shows that increasingly complex oil and gas wells now require astonishing volumes of water to fracture the bedrock and release fossil fuels, […]
- Macron launches ‘ecological plan’ to end France’s use of fossil fuels by 2030by Kim Willsher in Paris on September 25, 2023 at 5:28 pm
50-point plan also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% and includes new offshore wind projectsEmmanuel Macron has unveiled a national “ecological […]
- China drastically cuts seafood imports from Japan in wake of Fukushima water releaseby Megan McLaughlin on September 25, 2023 at 5:06 pm
Chinese seafood imports from Japan have plummeted following Beijing’s ban on marine products from its neighbour in response to the discharge of wastewater […]
- America's legacy of pollution in Afghanistanby Megan McLaughlin on September 25, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Afghans say the U.S. military's lack of environmental protections polluted their land, poisoned their water, and sickened their children.
- How Japan’s salarymen embraced short sleeves through ‘cool biz’by Megan McLaughlin on September 25, 2023 at 4:48 pm
Under “Cool Biz,” salarymen and government workers don short-sleeved shirts in the summer as offices are kept above 82 degrees Fahrenheit to save energy.
- Mammals’ time on Earth is half over, scientists predictby Megan McLaughlin on September 25, 2023 at 4:47 pm
A new model suggests that in 250 million years, all land will collide into a supercontinent that boosts warming and pushes mammals to extinction.
- Feeling anxious about climate change? Check out these strategiesby Megan McLaughlin on September 25, 2023 at 4:36 pm
The power of embracing despair, building community, and fostering emotional strength in the face of climate challenges.
- After summer's extreme weather, more Americans see climate change as a culpritby Megan McLaughlin on September 25, 2023 at 4:17 pm
Kathleen Maxwell has lived in Phoenix for more than 20 years, but this summer was the first time she felt fear, as daily high temperatures soared to 110 […]
- Scientists found the most intense heat wave ever recorded — in Antarcticaby Megan McLaughlin on September 25, 2023 at 4:03 pm
In March 2022, temperatures near the eastern coast of Antarctica spiked 70 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius) above normal — making it the most intense […]
- How early warning systems saves lives in climate change emergenciesby Megan McLaughlin on September 25, 2023 at 3:21 pm
This lush, leafy village of 200 residents, known for its hot springs, is less than 6 miles from the shore, but when Hurricane Maria battered the tiny Caribbean […]
- Texas winter swayed by El Nino, climate changeby Megan McLaughlin on September 25, 2023 at 3:17 pm
This year’s terrible summer has made some folks fear that the upcoming winter could be just as severe. But will it?
- Air pollution in Ireland linked to premature deaths at ‘concerning’ level in urban areas, report findsby Megan McLaughlin on September 25, 2023 at 2:33 pm
Ireland met European Union legal air quality limits in 2022 but did not meet more stringent health-based World Health Organisation guidelines for pollutants […]
- Turkey: Asbestos contamination could lead to many more deaths after the earthquakeby Megan McLaughlin on September 25, 2023 at 2:26 pm
More than 45,000 people were killed in Turkey's devastating earthquake this year. But an exclusive investigation by DW's Turkish and Environment services […]
- How to recognize the new climate change denial, explained by a climate scientistby Megan McLaughlin on September 25, 2023 at 2:15 pm
Delay, deflect, downplay, and other ways fossil fuel companies block climate action.
- For the second time in two months, Burlington discharged toxic 1,4-Dioxane into Haw River, Pittsboro's drinking water supplyby Jim Germond on September 25, 2023 at 11:48 am
The Town of Pittsboro has ramped up its drinking water testing after the City of Burlington discharged high levels of a toxic chemical 1,4-Dioxane into the Haw […]
- To protect wild bumblebees, people have to find them firstby Jim Germond on September 25, 2023 at 11:32 am
For six years, hundreds of volunteers have counted bumblebees across the Northwest. Their data is shaping pollinator conservation nationwide.
- Why we need a ‘slow water’ movementby Jim Germond on September 25, 2023 at 10:55 am
To withstand drought and deluge, an H2O how-to from Erica Gies, author of ‘Water Always Wins.’
- ‘Climate villain’: Scientists say Rupert Murdoch wielded his media empire to sow confusion and doubtby Autumnspanne1 on September 25, 2023 at 10:44 am
The tycoon, who is stepping down from News Corp and Fox, has used his outlets to promote denial and delay action, experts say.
- Prosecutors are going to war with climate protestersby Jim Germond on September 25, 2023 at 10:40 am
The far-reaching RICO indictment against Stop Cop City organizers in Atlanta is just the latest example of prosecutors’ central role in chilling dissent.
- Toxic legacy of Duwamish River could cost Boeing, taxpayers $1 billionby Autumnspanne1 on September 25, 2023 at 10:36 am
Boeing once described the river as “a natural collector” for its wastes. The Port of Seattle says the company won’t pay its fair share for the cleanup.
- No country for old ocelotsby Autumnspanne1 on September 25, 2023 at 10:31 am
Can wildlife crossings save America’s most endangered feline?
- Tracking down a poison: Getting the lead out of spices in Bangladesh and Georgiaby Tatum McConnell on September 25, 2023 at 9:31 am
Editor’s note: This is part 1 of a 2-part series, “Tracking down a poison.” See part 2 here.NEW YORK CITY — In 1988, turmeric producers in […]
- Tracking down a poison: Inside the fight for global action on leadby Tatum McConnell on September 25, 2023 at 9:30 am
Editor’s note: This is part 2 of a 2-part series, “Tracking down a poison.” See part 1 here. NEW YORK CITY — A third of the world’s children have […]
- China and U.S. face mounting calls to strike a climate deal at COP28by Autumnspanne1 on September 25, 2023 at 9:15 am
COP28 hinges on China and the United States putting their political differences aside, said Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency.
- Bill McKibben: The Biden administration’s next big climate decisionby Jim Germond on September 25, 2023 at 4:31 am
The liquefied-natural-gas buildout—and fossil-fuel exports—challenge progress on global warming.
- U.S. housing crisis thwarts recruitment for nature-based infrastructure projectsby Jim Germond on September 25, 2023 at 2:46 am
Even when the funding is lined up for green restoration efforts in northern Wisconsin, a lack of affordable housing makes it hard to attract workers and get […]
- Complexity around fracking featured in touring play coming to Pittsburghby Jim Germond on September 25, 2023 at 12:27 am
“Ezell: Ballad of a Land Man” is described as an outdoor, eco-cultural theater, music and meal experience that explores fracking, land and belonging.
- Pa groups thrilled by Biden’s American Climate Corps, but wish it were biggerby Jim Germond on September 25, 2023 at 12:11 am
American Climate Corps will train 20,000 young people in clean energy, conservation, and climate resilience across the country.
- Virtual Film Series Showcases Link Between Environmental, Reproductive Healthon September 25, 2023 at 12:00 am
- Populism has polluted the fight for clean air | Letterby Guardian Staff on September 22, 2023 at 5:04 pm
The backlash faced by Sadiq Khan in response to novel and brave measures is absurd, says Nancy CollinsYour interview with Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, for whom […]
- Superdrug to stop selling single-use vapes in UK and Irelandby Sarah Marsh on September 22, 2023 at 2:36 pm
Retailer responds to concerns about environmental impact of millions of e-cigarettes thrown away each weekSuperdrug will stop selling disposable vapes in all […]
- Insecticide to blame for hundreds of dead crayfish in Blue Mountains creek last month, EPA saysby Lisa Cox on September 22, 2023 at 4:49 am
Bifenthrin was found in water, sediment and crayfish samples from Hazelbrook Creek, the Environment Protection Authority saysFollow our Australia news live […]
- Belgrade: the city where dirty air is seen as a ‘consequence of economic growth’by Ajit Niranjan in Belgrade on September 22, 2023 at 4:00 am
Critics decry lack of political will in Serbian capital to clean polluted air that residents say they can ‘feel and taste’When the Yugoslav prime minister […]
- Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Moves Toward World Heritage Liston September 22, 2023 at 12:00 am
- Appeal Aims to Preserve Protections for Endangered Rice’s Whale Habitat in Upcoming Gulf Lease Saleon September 22, 2023 at 12:00 am
- ‘He is making the UK a climate villain’: MEPs denounce Sunak’s net zero retreatby Ajit Niranjan and Lili Bayer on September 21, 2023 at 4:47 pm
Politicians from across the divide say ‘suicidal’ policy U-turns will harm environment and Britain’s economyEuropean politicians from across the spectrum […]
- ‘Very worrying’ pollution is ‘so prevalent’ in Europe, says Estonian climate minister – as it happenedby Lili Bayer on September 21, 2023 at 1:56 pm
Kristen Michal says clean air is ‘human right’ and breathing ‘should not make us sick’ after revelations about Europe’s toxic air. This live blog is […]
- What can be done to combat air pollution in Europe?by Gary Fuller on September 21, 2023 at 1:00 pm
From wood burning to driving, there are things people can do – but industries such as shipping and agriculture bear most of the responsibilityWhile air […]
- Europe’s politicians have moral responsibility to tackle air pollution, says WHO environment directorby Matthew Taylor, Pamela Duncan and Ajit Niranjan on September 21, 2023 at 9:00 am
Maria Neira highlights health impacts of dangerous pollution levels after Guardian investigation revealed scale of crisisPoliticians across Europe have a moral […]
- The mystery of Europe’s heat death hotspot – podcastby Presented by Ian Sample with Ajit Niranjan, produced by Eli Block and Madeleine Finlay, sound design by Joel Cox, the executive producer is Ellie Bury on September 21, 2023 at 4:00 am
Ian Sample hears from the Guardian’s Europe environment correspondent, Ajit Niranjan, about the reporting he has been doing for the launch of our new Europe […]
- Petition Seeks Groundwater Protections for Arizona’s Upper San Pedro Basinon September 21, 2023 at 12:00 am
- Lawsuit Launched to Protect Alaska’s Whales From Increased Ship Trafficon September 21, 2023 at 12:00 am
- Treated and untreated sewage greatest threat to river biodiversity, says studyby Sandra Laville Environment correspondent on September 20, 2023 at 11:01 pm
More water company regulations and improvements at treatment plants needed to protect rivers, say authorsPollution from treated and untreated sewage is the […]
- ‘The air tastes like burnt plastic’: Skopje’s chronic pollution problemby Ajit Niranjan in Skopje on September 20, 2023 at 9:50 am
Capital of North Macedonia is a PM2.5 hotspot where people fear for their health. Is there hope for change?The hills that circle Skopje keep citizens safe when […]
- Methodology behind the Guardian’s air pollution in Europe investigationby Pamela Duncan on September 20, 2023 at 9:50 am
The project has employed various data sources, from road and land use data to meteorological informationThe underlying data for the Guardian’s air pollution […]
- Europe’s pollution divide: see how your area comparesby Antonio Voce, Anna Leach, Ellen Wishart and Pamela Duncan on September 20, 2023 at 9:50 am
Use our interactive map to find out the level of air pollution where you live Continue reading...
- Revealed: almost everyone in Europe is breathing toxic airby Matthew Taylor and Pamela Duncan on September 20, 2023 at 9:50 am
Guardian investigation finds 98% of Europeans breathing highly damaging polluted air linked to 400,000 deaths a yearEurope’s pollution divide: see how your […]