The Fourth U.S. National Climate Assessment: Hawai‘i and the Pacific
Islands region
Abstract
Chapter 27 of the 4th U.S. National Climate Assessment, Volume 2,
assesses climate impacts, future risks, and adaptation in Hawai‘i and
the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands. The author team collaboratively
developed the chapter’s Key Messages and narrative. Webinars and an
informal survey of stakeholders informed the selection of focal sectors.
To be inclusive of the vast region and expertise, the authors convened
six half-day workshops on key sectors, including remote participation
from experts in the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands. In all, the chapter
involved more than 60 technical contributors. Authors reviewed major
areas of risk and new understanding since the last national assessment,
including on issues such as: (1) reliable and safe water supplies, (2)
marine and terrestrial ecosystem health, (3) sea level rise and coastal
impacts, (4) impacts on community livelihoods and well-being, including
Indigenous peoples. Under these climate-related challenges to island
sustainability, diverse groups are coming together to combine
forward-looking policies with adaptation strategies. An integrated theme
throughout the chapter is that early intervention can lower the
economic, environmental, and social and cultural costs from a changing
climate.