Climate Change Requires Policy Change

Climate change is a result of a structural problem within society. The true cost of fossil fuels to the environment and people are not being paid by polluters.

To combat the climate crisis, policy changes must be made to ensure that fossil fuel companies are not allowed to continue operating in a vacuum.

Brittany Lyte wrote the following article. “Asking For A Miracle’: Hawaii Evaluates Global Roadmap To Avoid Climate Catastrophe,” that people aren’t waiting for the government to lead on climate change action.

This is true — inspiring entrepreneurs have led innovations in renewable technology, and individuals and nonprofits have led wonderful campaigns to plant thousands of trees. But structural change is the only way we can reduce the worst effects of climate changes.

This spring, I will graduate from UH Manoa in the B.S. I am a global environmental scientist. Through my years of research, I have learned that it is impossible to tackle climate change on an individual basis.

While recycling, composting, using reusable water bottles are all good practices, climate change is a result of decades of fossil fuel burning and subsidies. New legislation and policies are required to address the negative externalities and unaccounted-for effects of greenhouse gases on the environment.

Climate change is not the fault of individuals. However, we must work together to get Congress to act. If we don’t, our health, our kids, and the islands will suffer the consequences of climate change.

Pricing Carbon

Already, the effects of sea-level rise have already been felt by our islands. They have suffered from damaged infrastructure and coastal realty. The warming of the oceans will only lead to more coral bleaching, and a decline in fish stocks. Climate inaction can have devastating consequences.

Contacting your representatives in Congress is one of the most important things we can do as citizens. We can influence the political process by using our voices and pressuring our representatives to do what is best for both us and our environment.

A carbon fee and dividend is one of the most effective climate policies — it creates a strong incentive to reduce fossil fuel consumption while caring for low-moderate income households. The taxation of carbon and the return to the people in dividends could be a huge benefit for both the economy in Hawaii and the people.

Pricing carbon would facilitate a faster transition to clean energy and reduce carbon emission. This policy is progressive because it returns the money in dividends.

According to A UHERO studyA carbon fee and dividend could be a benefit to households with low-to-moderate incomes. UHERO concluded that Hawaii could reduce its carbon emissions by imposing a carbon tax. This would bring down the emission levels to 40% below 2019, according to UHERO.

Unfortunately, Carbon Cashback House Bill 2278,After being passed by the House, a climate bill which would have established a carbon fee in Hawaii and a dividend policy in Hawaii was not heard in the Senate.

Climate inaction can have devastating consequences.

Climate crisis is a problem that requires changes in our governance systems to address. If we want our politicians act, they must hear from us. You can make a difference.

Call your members of Congress if you want to fight climate change. Simply pick up your phone and dial the number below.

Tell them (the people who pick up) your name and tell them that climate change is a concern. You want them to implement more climate policy like a carbon fee or dividend.

If you don’t want to speak to anyone, call in the evening and leave a message.

• Senators: Brian Schatz (808) 523-2061, Mazie Hirono (808) 522-8970
• Representatives: Ed Case (808) 650-6688, Kai Kahele:(808) 746-6220