The science behind Big Island Hawaii’s unique environment and why it’s worth preserving

The science behind Big Island Hawaii’s unique environment and why it’s worth preserving

Big Island Hawaii is a wonderland of natural beauty and diversity. It is a wonderland where you can find some of the most spectacular and varied natural attractions and resources on Earth. It is a wonderland where you can marvel at the science behind the island’s unique environment and why it’s worth preserving.

The island’s unique environment is the result of its geological history, location, and climate. The island was formed by volcanic activity over millions of years, creating a landscape of mountains, valleys, craters, lava fields, and beaches. The island is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, isolated from other landmasses, creating a high level of endemism and biodiversity. The island has 11 of the world’s 13 climate zones¹, ranging from tropical rainforest to alpine desert, creating a variety of habitats and ecosystems.

The island’s unique environment is worth preserving for many reasons. Here are some of the reasons why:

• Preserving the island’s unique environment can help maintain its biodiversity and uniqueness. The island’s biodiversity is one of its greatest assets and attractions². It is home to thousands of species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Some examples are the nene (Hawaiian goose), the silversword (a rare alpine plant), the honu (green sea turtle), and the manta ray. By preserving the island’s unique environment, we can help protect these species from extinction and ensure their survival for future generations.
• Preserving the island’s unique environment can help improve its natural resources and ecosystem services. The island’s natural resources are vital for our well-being and survival. They provide us with food, water, energy, materials, medicine, recreation, tourism, culture, and more³. The island’s ecosystem services are the benefits that we get from the functioning of natural systems, such as pollination, pest control, climate regulation, carbon sequestration, and more⁴. By preserving the island’s unique environment, we can help sustain these resources and services and enhance their quality and quantity.
• Preserving the island’s unique environment can help enhance its cultural heritage and identity. The island’s cultural heritage is a reflection of its history, values, beliefs, traditions, and practices. It is influenced by the native Hawaiian culture as well as other cultures that have settled on the island over time. The island’s cultural identity is shaped by its connection and respect for the land and its living beings. By preserving the island’s unique environment, we can help honor and support this heritage and identity and foster a sense of pride and belonging.
• Preserving the island’s unique environment can help boost its economic development and social stability. The island’s economic development is dependent on its unique environment as a major source of income and employment for local residents who are involved in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, energy, or conservation. The island’s social stability is dependent on its unique environment as a major factor of health, education, security, peace, or harmony. By preserving the island’s unique environment, we can help improve its economic development and social stability and reduce poverty, inequality, conflict, or violence.

By preserving the island’s unique environment, we can benefit ourselves and the island in various ways. We can also benefit from the beauty, diversity, uniqueness, and fragility of the island’s unique environment. We can also benefit from the science behind it.

Big Island Hawaii is more than just a wonderland of natural beauty and diversity. It is a responsibility that we have to fulfill and support. Let us all understand and appreciate the science behind Big Island Hawaii’s unique environment and why it’s worth preserving.