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prevented. Both climate mitigation and adaptation are complementary and work in conjunction to Climate Mitigation The natural carbon cycle includes sources that emit GHGs and sinks that sequester GHGs. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. The greenhouse gas effect occurs when GHGs trap heat by reducing the release of infrared light waves back into the atmosphere. In 2017, Hawaii County produced 2,779,683 metric tons of GHGs.3 As of 2023, GHG sources in Hawaii County include emissions from burning of fossil fuels and biofuels for energy and transportation and from decomposition of organic and inorganic waste. GHGs are emitted to support community systems such as electricity, transportation, waste, and industries from agriculture to healthcare to tourism. Simultaneously, the cycles of land development, including land abandonment, have led to U 0 U v. C O protect communities from the harms of climate change. deforestation and biodiversity loss, decreasing natural carbon sinks on Hawaii Island. The early 20t' century expansion of plantation and cattle industries followed by the contraction of farming and ranching in the 21 st century were major drivers of these impacts. Emissions are expected to grow in all sectors with population growth, increases in electricity use and vehicle miles traveled (VMT), waste production, and new development.' As the effects of climate change emerge, so does the urgency to understand how to reduce emissions and ensure equity while pursuing solutions. While Hawaii County's contribution to global emissions may be small by proportion, it's essential that we take responsibility for our contribution to global climate change and reduce our sources of emissions alongside the rest of the world. Figure 5 Hawai'i County Sector Overview of MTCO2e Emissions for Years 2005, 2015, and 2017 Sector Emission Totals by Year z 111 111 MEN NEN Transportation Commercial Industrial Energy Residential & Mobile Energy Energy Sources it = _ _ oil ,� rAFOL2 Water and Solid Waste its wastewater AFOLU = Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use Source: Integrated Climate Action Plan for the Island of Hawaii, County of Hawai'i (2023) 3 COH, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for 2017 (2021) https://www.hawaiicounty gov/home/showpublisheddocument/304504/637834584810900000. Note: Emissions calculations do not include emissions from volcanic eruptions, although these emissions amplify the impacts of human -caused emissions on health. ' COH, Integrated Climate Action Plan for the Island of Hawai'i (2023) 3.0 Addressing Climate Change for Island -Wide Health I County of Hawaii General Plan 58