Report looks at climate change policy
Report looks at climate change policy
The Center for Island Climate Adaptation and Policy at the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program, recently published “Climate Change Law and Policy in Hawaii, Briefing Sheet, 2012.” The report chronicles state efforts to reduce human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and build resiliency to climate change impacts.
“The briefing sheet outlines the great work that has been accomplished thus far; however, there is much more to be done to effectively mitigate and adapt to climate change,” said Malia Nobrega, teh center’s director of strategic partnerships.
“As this chronicle shows, the people of Hawaii are leaders in tackling climate change. Adopting forward-thinking and innovative approaches—based on sound science and an in-depth understanding of community needs—will ensure that future generations are well prepared to address this complex challenge,” said Melissa Finucane, senior fellow at the East-West Center.
The climate policy center envisions the briefing sheet as an objective, compact and up-to-date resource for researchers, decision-makers and the general public.
Major policies covered include Hawaii’s Climate Change Law, requiring greenhouse gas emission reductions to amounts at or below 1990 levels by 2020; the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, setting a goal to achieve 70 percent clean energy through 40 percent renewable energy and 30 percent energy efficiency by 2030; the nation’s first Barrel Tax on Petroleum, which also designates funds for clean energy and climate change adaptation, and the state Climate Change Adaptation Priority Guidelines, signed into law in 2012.