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Inland perspective looking out toward the ocean of the lush, green Kalalau Valley.
Hawai‘i’s Natural Splendor Kalalau Valley on Kauai © John De Mello

Stories in Hawai'i

Natural Climate Solutions

If we work together, we can find solutions to climate change that are right for Hawai‘i and Palmyra.

Last updated January 24, 2023

A woman walks along a boardwalk in a lush forest in Hawaii.
Exploring Nature The Pepeopae Bog trail in the Kamakou Preserve on Molokai. © PF Bentley
Natural Climate Solutions (1:38) Nature can remove one third of the carbon from our atmosphere. We need to make sure this continues.

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. 

Three waterfalls plummeting down a vertical mossy cliff.
East Maui Waterfalls Hawai‘i’s native forests are home to rare plants and birds and are the source of freshwater for our islands. © Ryan Chang
A dense school of yellow fish with black vertical stripes in bright blue water.
Manini (convict tang) Healthy reefs like this one at Palmyra Atoll are more resilient to the effects of climate change. © Kydd Pollock/TNC
East Maui Waterfalls Hawai‘i’s native forests are home to rare plants and birds and are the source of freshwater for our islands. © Ryan Chang
Manini (convict tang) Healthy reefs like this one at Palmyra Atoll are more resilient to the effects of climate change. © Kydd Pollock/TNC

Take Action for Nature

You can help! To address the growing impacts of our changing climate, we need bold action. Nature can play a huge role, but it needs our help. We must start talking about it—and taking action—right now. Your support makes this work possible.

More Information

Let’s Talk About Climate Change (1:48) Climate change doesn’t have to be a bad word. We want to talk about it because we want clean air, clean water, clean jobs and healthy coral reefs. We want a more resilient Hawaii. We have the power. Our choices and our voices matter. Let’s all lead Hawaii to a better future.

Let’s Talk About Climate Change

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