Natural Climate Solutions

From soaring mountain ranges and sweeping coastlines to unique plants, fish and birds found nowhere else on Earth, Hawai‘i’s natural splendor is truly one of a kind. The islands’ natural beauty sustains communities, drives the economy, and holds deep significance to Hawaiian culture. And it can help deter the impacts of climate change.

Yet preserving and restoring nature only receives 1% of our State budget. But we need much more, with climate change impacts like flooding and sea level rise increasing. Nature can remove one-third of the carbon from our atmosphere. We call this “Natural Climate Solutions.”

What Are Natural Climate Solutions?

Natural climate solutions are conservation, restoration and improved land management actions that increase carbon storage or avoid greenhouse gas emissions in landscapes and wetlands across the globe. Forests and oceans have been absorbing carbon for thousands of years. We need to make sure that continues by keeping remaining forests and wetlands intact, restoring and replanting native trees, and ensuring future development is sustainable and climate-smart.

The Power of Nature

The natural systems that provide our fresh water and protect our coastlines have the power to reduce the impacts of climate change. In Hawai‘i and Palmyra, we focus on protecting these systems to ensure that life can thrive in the face of Earth’s changing climate. Reforestation efforts help mitigate the impacts of climate change by providing freshwater and preventing erosion, drought and wildfires. Our work with communities to protect and restore Hawai‘i’s reefs builds resilience for people and coasts so both can flourish. And research at Palmyra Atoll’s remote natural laboratory helps us better understand climate resilience.