Zócalo Public Square

The Aloha State is on the front lines of climate change. The seas surrounding Hawai‘i already have risen as much as 3.5 inches since 1960. Long-term forecasts anticipate massive beach erosion, higher average temperatures, prolonged droughts, heavy flooding linked to volatile trade winds, and increased ocean acidity that could bleach coral and disrupt marine migration. But Hawai‘i also is on the front lines of scientific experimentation that could mitigate the harsher effects of global warming. What can the world learn from this research and the state’s experience with climate change? How can Hawai‘i set an example for sustainable living that other states and countries might emulate? University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa geologist Chip Fletcher, RAND Corporation scientist and contributor to the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Robert Lempert, Honolulu chief resiliency officer Joshua Stanbro, and moderator Catherine Cruz, co-host of Hawai‘i Public Radio's "The Conversation" took part in a Zóca