Climate and Health Resources:
United States
¦ | A I A I A ¦¦	Environmental Protection
HAWAII
Climate change poses risks to human health. Already in the United States, we are seeing rising
temperatures, increased frequency and intensity of some types of extreme weather, sea level rise, and
other changes in weather and climate patterns. We are all vulnerable to the health impacts associated
with climate change. However, these climate and health risks vary across the country.
Since the 1950s, sea surface temperatures around Hawaii have increased. This and other climate
impacts, like decreased rainfall, mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Hawaii
residents include:
-	Climate change will make coastal floods worse. These floods can cause injuries, deaths, and
mental health impacts. Learn how you can take action to protect against floods, such as:
o Prepare Plan and practice your evacuation route. Evacuate when advised to do so.
o Respond: Avoid driving or walking in or near flood waters, even after the flood or during
cleanup.
-	Extreme weather events can disrupt important infrastructure (such as utilities and roads).
Pacific Islanders rely on ports and airports that are vulnerable to storms and sea level rise to
receive food and other supplies. Learn how you can take action to manage infrastructure
disruptions, such as:
o Respond: Check the news for tap water safety notices, such boiling water before use.
o Respond: Avoid fallen power lines.
-	Increasing drought threatens traditional food sources such as taro and breadfruit. Learn how
you can take action to protect against droughts, such as:
o Prepare Reduce water use. For example, use low-flow faucets.
o Prepare Be aware that droughts may reduce the quality of drinking water from private
wells.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.
The examples of risks and actions provided in this document are not a comprehensive list. They
provide users with illustrative impacts and resources for further information. Examples were
selected based on relevance to the state or region and representation of a diversity of health
threats. Selection does not imply ranking of severity of impacts nor prioritization of actions. The
examples of impacts are based on "The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the
United States: A Scientific Assessment," available at https://health2016.globalchange.gov, as well
as the National Climate Assessment at http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/
June 2016

-------
RESOURCES FOR HAWAII RESIDENTS
Resource Topic
Information
Source
Climate Change
Impacts
Learn more: What Climate Change Means for Hawaii
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency

Learn more: National Climate Assessment: Hawaii
and Pacific Islands
U.S. Global Change
Research Program. 2014.

Explore Actions: Hawaii Coastal Zone Management
Program
State of Hawaii

Explore Actions: A Framework for Climate Change
Adaptation in Hawaii, 2009
State of Hawaii

Find Resources: EPA Region 9 (Pacific Southwest)
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency
Public Health
Information
Find Resources: Hawaii Department of Health
State of Hawaii

Find Resources: Hawaii Emergency Management
Agency
State of Hawaii
June 2016

-------