Climate Change and Health Impacts

Climate change is already affecting Hawaiʻi, which is particularly vulnerable due to its mid-Pacific location. Effects include higher temperatures and sea levels, altered rainfall patterns, more frequent and intense storms, wildfires, coastal erosion, loss of biodiversity, and ocean acidification. These changes threaten food and water security, marine ecosystems, air quality, coastal communities, disaster response capabilities, cultural ties to ʻāina, agriculture, tourism, and overall health, with some communities experiencing disproportionate effects. Explore the resources below to learn how climate change is affecting public health in Hawaiʻi and what the State is doing to protect our communities.

Graphic: Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in Hawaiʻi (Adapted from California Department of Public Health and the CDC)

• Climate Change & Health Vulnerability Assessment

Data: Historic flooding in Hawaiʻi - Kona Storms - (Adapted from UNDRR and the University of Hawai'i), Lives Lost in Lahaina news article (Adapted from KITV), Increased Food Security and Food Self-Sufficiency Strategy report (Adapted from the U.S. Department of Commerce)

Action Work Groups

The Climate Change and Health Working Group consists of several subgroups to help guide discussions:

• Community Listening Sessions

• Policy Subgroup

• Mental Health Subgroup

• Education Subgroup