Sunscreen Pollution, Overtourism, and Ecologically Effective Solutions (Kona)

Sunscreen Pollution, Overtourism, and Ecologically Effective Solutions 
(Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i Island)

Join us for this free presentation by Dr. Craig Downs, one of the leading international experts on sunscreen pollution and marine environments. Increased tourism can result in harm to local ecological resources such as coral reefs, especially when not properly managed. More visitors means greater use of sunscreens and other personal care products, resulting in pollution of not just beach waters, but wide expanses of coastlines. What are the chemicals that are toxic to wildlife and people, and how do they degrade our ecological resources? What concentrations do we find these chemicals in the environment, and at what levels do they pose a threat?

One of the most effective ways of managing sunscreen pollution is through the partnership of citizen science community groups, local business groups, and local legislatures. A number of solutions can mitigate the threat of sunscreen pollution, from consumer choices for safer sunscreen and wearing UPF clothing to public education engagement by the visitor industry and media outlets. Community action to persuade legislative bodies to ban the sale of products containing chemicals that compromise water quality can also be an effective solution.

Dr. Downs received his doctorate from the University of Hawai‘i’s John A. Burns School of Medicine, and currently serves as executive director of Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, a non-profit science organization.