| Climate Change |
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Issue As an isolated island community more in touch with its natural environment, citizens of Hawaii County are becoming more acutely aware of the implications of climate change. The traditional cultural practices and new technologies being put to the test to improve sustainability locally could serve as a global model. It was here after all, at Mauna Loa Observatory, where Charles Keeling’s measurements brought the world’s attention to increasing carbon dioxide levels and the possible effects of human activity on the Earth’s atmosphere and climate. Business and political leaders have identified risks of climate change for the natural environment and the global economy and are calling for urgent action, including Hawaii County, which in adopting an Energy Sustainability Plan that calls for reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuel energy, states that 20% efficiency gains in its electricity and fuel use for facilities, street lights, water services, and vehicle use could save approximately $6.5 million in tax payer money annually.1 There is general consensus among climate scientists and nearly all countries in the world that, without significant intervention, climate change could result in dramatic weather events, rising sea levels and ocean acidification, drought in some areas, and significant impacts on human and ecosystem health. Pacific Island nations that share strong cultural and economic ties with Hawaii families and businesses are currently, and will be increasingly, disproportionately affected by sea level rise due to global warming, and that leaders of these Pacific Island nations are already seeking alternate places for their populations to live. Numerous companies are proactively reducing their carbon footprints and investing in alternative energy, while others are lobbying actively for specific, legislative changes to shape future laws and regulations. The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce represents hundreds of businesses that will continue to be affected by both gradual climate change phenomena and are particularly vulnerable to acute incidents that may affect coastal communities. We are concerned about ways in which climate change and related government policies can adversely affect our business operations and the overall island economy. Position We believe it is important for the Chamber to remain engaged with the careful study of the financial impacts, risks and opportunities posed by climate change throughout West Hawaii and work with the County and State of Hawaii and the federal government to enable businesses to respond effectively to crisis situations and also proactively make the changes necessary to protect business value. We acknowledge that many companies large and small, including those in the Chamber’s Kuleana Green Business Program, recognize the positive business opportunities associated with greening their operations in order to conserve resources and save money. As such we actively promote voluntary procurement, conservation, efficient building and local sourcing practices for Hawaii businesses. County of Hawaii Eco-Municipality Resolution, prepared by Department of Research and Development, October 2009
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