The Hawaii Conservation Alliance: Leaders in Environmental Management, Research and Education

Native forest birds ('Amakihi, above) are particularly

vulnerable to rising temperatures in the Hawaiian Islands.

The rich natural and cultural heritage of the Hawaiian Islands arose within climate conditions of great local diversity but overall regularity: small fluctuations in daily temperatures, low variability in annual wet- and dry-season rainfall amounts, and trade winds blowing prevailingly from east to west. Global climate change is altering these patterns and transforming the environment of Hawai'i in fundamental ways.

Climate Change Impacts in Hawai'i

Climate change, although driven by global processes, can trigger dramatic local changes. In the Hawaiian archipelago scientists have documented changes in air and ocean temperature, sea level, rainfall, and ocean acidity. Based on this growing body of information and new climate prediction models, the following range of impacts to native species and ecosystems are predicted to occur:

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Climate Change

in the Hawaiian Islands

Warmer temperatures will add stress to forest-dwellers such as native birds, plants, and insects which need cooler and moister conditions to survive.

Increases in ocean temperature and acidification will harm marine habitats, (such as coral reefs) and the fish, marine mammals, and other species that depend on them for survival.

Seas will continue to rise, inundating coastal habitats (such as wetlands and beach nesting areas), contaminating freshwater aquifers, and increasing beach erosion.

Changes in wind patterns will alter wet-season and dry-season rainfall. These changes will happen faster than is natural, which will harm plant and animal species that have evolved to live only in particular habitat types.

Severe weather events, such as droughts and hurricanes, are likely to increase and cause the loss of habitat and rare species.

HCA Commitment

HCA is committed to addressing climate change impacts in Hawai'i. HCA and its member organizations will:

Provide critical research on climate change

Develop, implement, and share best management practices

Develop policy recommendations

Promote education and outreach around climate change at the annual Hawai'i Conservation Conference, forums, and leadership summits

Coordinate and collaborate between its members

Direct adaptation and mitigation funding to minimize negative effects of climate change in Hawai'i

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PICCC Factsheet

Changing ocean conditions threaten the marine food web.

To help achieve these commitments, HCA is hosting the newly formed Pacific Islands Climate Change Cooperative (PICCC). The PICCC purpose is to provide information, products, and expertise to help managers of natural and cultural resources incorporate linkages between conservation partnerships and social, cultural, and economic adaptation efforts. To learn more about the PICCC, go to the PICCC page, or download the factsheet.