The Impact of Climate Change on Big Island Hawaii’s Fragile Environment

Big Island Hawaii is a place of natural beauty and wonder, with a rich culture and history. The island boasts some of the most diverse and unique wildlife and ecosystems in the world, from the active volcanoes of Kilauea and Mauna Loa to the coral reefs of Maui Nui, from the lush rainforests of Hilo to the snow-capped peaks of Mauna Kea. However, these wildlife and ecosystems are also facing serious challenges from climate change, which is altering the island’s climate and environment in various ways. Here are some of the impacts of climate change on Big Island Hawaii’s fragile environment:

• Climate change is increasing air and ocean temperatures. In the last century, air temperatures on Big Island Hawaii have increased by about 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit⁴. This may not seem like much, but even small changes in temperature can have significant effects on the island’s wildlife and ecosystems. For example, higher temperatures can increase the risk of wildfires, droughts, heat stress, and diseases for plants and animals. Higher temperatures can also affect the island’s water cycle, changing rainfall patterns and evaporation rates³. Moreover, climate change is warming the oceans around Big Island Hawaii, which has damaged coral reefs and other marine ecosystems. Warmer oceans can cause coral bleaching, which occurs when corals expel the algae that live in their tissues and provide them with food and color. Bleached corals are more vulnerable to disease, predation, and death². Warmer oceans can also affect the distribution and abundance of marine species, such as fish, turtles, dolphins, and whales¹.
• Climate change is raising sea levels and increasing coastal flooding and erosion. Sea level rise is one of the most visible and tangible effects of climate change on Big Island Hawaii. Sea levels around the island have risen by about 9 inches since 1900⁴, and are projected to rise by another 1 to 3 feet by 2100³. This means that more land will be submerged by seawater, especially during high tides and storm surges. Sea level rise will increase coastal flooding and erosion, damaging coastal ecosystems, infrastructure, agriculture, and cultural sites². For example, sea level rise will threaten the nesting habitats of endangered sea turtles, such as the honu (green sea turtle) and the hawksbill turtle¹. Sea level rise will also affect freshwater resources on the island, as saltwater intrusion will contaminate groundwater aquifers and wells³.
• Climate change is changing ocean chemistry and affecting marine life. Another consequence of climate change on Big Island Hawaii is ocean acidification, which occurs when carbon dioxide from the atmosphere dissolves in seawater and lowers its pH. Ocean acidification has increased by about 30% since the Industrial Revolution², and could increase by another 150% by 2100¹. Ocean acidification affects marine life in various ways, such as reducing the availability of calcium carbonate, which is essential for building shells and skeletons for corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and some fish. Ocean acidification can also impair the sensory abilities, behavior, growth, reproduction, and survival of marine organisms². Ocean acidification poses a serious threat to Big Island Hawaii’s coral reefs and marine ecosystems, which provide food, shelter, nursery grounds, tourism revenue, and coastal protection for millions of people¹.

Climate change is a global problem that requires global solutions. However, we can also take local actions to mitigate and adapt to its impacts on Big Island Hawaii’s fragile environment. For example, we can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by using renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. We can also conserve water and energy by using efficient appliances and fixtures. We can protect and restore our wildlife and ecosystems by supporting conservation projects and programs that aim to enhance native watershed function and biodiversity, reduce extinction risk for endemic bird species, foster healthy coral reef ecosystems, and prevent invasive species introductions². We can also educate ourselves and others about the causes and consequences of climate change on Big Island Hawaii’s environment and what we can do to help. Together, we can make a difference for Big Island Hawaii’s environment and future.

Source:
(1) What Climate Change Means for Hawaii – US EPA. https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/climate-change-hi.pdf.
(2) How Will Climate Change Affect Hawaii? – Environmental Defense Fund. https://www.edf.org/sites/default/files/content/regional_releases_hawaii.pdf.
(3) How the Climate Crisis is Affecting Hawaii. https://www.climaterealityproject.org/blog/how-climate-crisis-affecting-hawaii.
(4) Climate Change Portal | Climate Change in HI – Hawaii. https://climate.hawaii.gov/hi-facts/climate-change-hi/.
(5) Climate Change Is A Big Problem For Farmers In Hawaii. https://www.civilbeat.org/2021/09/climate-change-is-a-big-problem-for-farmers-in-hawaii/.