Climate Resilience and Energy in Hawaii

Catalog description

This course will explore the practical, social, technical, and political challenges surrounding climate resilience, water conservation and energy in Hawaii. Hawaii is at the forefront of conservation, climate action, and the clean energy transition. The state has adopted an aspirational goal for 100% carbon-free electricity in 2045. In addition, Hawaii has passed legislation that aspires to 100% fossil-free transportation by 2040 and has similar goals to promote sustainable communities and ensure a just climate transition. Yet at the same time, Hawaii is uniquely vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures, sea level rise, more frequent and intense storms, increased coastal erosion, wildfires, and biodiversity loss. We will explore practical, social, technical, and political issues surrounding climate adaptation, water conservation and energy production. All of these issues will be considered in the technical, societal, cultural, natural resource, and political milieu which is the unique nature of Hawaii. We will spend approximately the first week on campus learning about climate, energy, water and conservation, the climate and energy context in Hawaii, and how Hawaii compares with other Western states. We will then travel to various field sites in Hawaii. We will meet with relevant policy experts and public officials from governmental agencies, utilities, universities, and public interest groups. The course will conclude with presentations by the students.