Recreation
Extremely heavy rainfall has become more common in Hawai'i, leading to increased runoff, erosion, and flooding. The number of consecutive wet days and dry days have been increasing in Hawai'i.
Increasing temperatures, an expanding human population, and increased cover of invasive shrubs and grasses, such as common gorse, fountain grass and guinea grass, all contribute to increased risk of wildfire in Hawai'i.
Warmer temperatures and decreased cloud cover in some areas are likely to result in greater evaporation rates, leading to reductions in water supply and increases in demand. Hawai'i has already experienced a trend toward increasing drought conditions during the winter rainy season. Decreased soil moisture increases plant stress, with impacts to agricultural and natural systems.
The climate assessment includes information on the changes that the climate will go through. The rest of the report separates the climate impacts by island and adaption options.
Warmer oceans are leading to increased coral bleaching and disease outbreaks and changing distribution of tuna fisheries. Freshwater supplies will become more limited on many islands. Coastal flooding and erosion will increase. Mounting threats to food and water security, infrastructure, health, and safety are expected to lead to increasing human migration.
Changes in the timing of streamflow reduce water supplies for competing demands. Sea level rise, erosion, inundation, risks to infrastructure, and increasing ocean acidity pose major threats. Increasing wildfire, insect outbreaks, and tree diseases are causing widespread tree die-off.
The vulnerability assessment emphasized key resource areas—water, fisheries, vegetation and disturbance, wildlife, recreation, infrastructure, cultural heritage, and ecosystem services—regarded as the most important for ecosystems and human communities
The vulnerability assessment emphasized key resource areas—water, fisheries, vegetation and disturbance, wildlife, recreation, infrastructure, cultural heritage, and ecosystem services—regarded as the most important for ecosystems and human communities
The Colorado Climate Change Vulnerability Study provides an overview of key vulnerabilities that climate variability and change will pose for Colorado’s economy and resources. The purpose of the study is to provide state agencies, local governments, and others with background for preparedness planning.
