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Table 13: Climate Adaptation Challenges Complementary to mitigation, climate adaptation is intended to be proactive. These efforts focus on building systems to withstand not only current but future climate change .impacts. Approaches to adaptation include a wide range of solutions. Some examples may include building or retrofitting infrastructure to better manage increased flooding or natural solutions such as habitat restoration. Adaptation may also be associated with behavior and policy changes, such as public awareness campaigns and updating regulatory codes. Sea Level Rise & Coastal Erosion a Rising sea levels threaten coastal infrastructure, including roads, homes, and businesses. Erosion and flooding can lead to significant damage and displacement. • Coastal ecosystems, such as wetlands and reefs, are at risk, impacting biodiversity and the natural protection these systems provide against storms. Increased 0 Rising global air and sea surface temperatures are changing rainfall patterns which may impact Frequency & the frequency and intensity of future drought and extreme, rainfall events. Intensity of 0More frequent and intense storms can cause extensive damage to buildings, infrastructure,. and Severe Weather agricultural lands. Severe rainfall events, compounded by flooding and landslides, increase risks Events to critical infrastructure and communities and disrupt emergency services. • Tropical cyclones are becoming more powerful and possibly more frequent due to climate change, which compounds risks from other hazards. Tropical cyclones and storm surges pose risks to infrastructure and jeopardize public safety. • Enhancing emergency response and preparedness capabilities to manage more frequent extreme weather events is a significant challenge. Temperature • Temperature changes can affect crop yields and livestock health, impacting the island's Changes agricultural sector, which is a key part of the local economy and food security. • Native plant and animal species may face stress due to altered temperatures, potentially leading to shifts in ecosystems and loss of biodiversity. • Higher temperatures and prolonged dry periods increase the risk of wildfires, which can devastate large areas, threaten communities, and degrade air quality. Water Resources . Altered rainfall patterns and increased evaporation rates can lead to droughts, affecting water Management supply for residential, agricultural, and industrial use. Drought has cascading effects on agriculture, native ecosystems, social systems, and the economy. • Ensuring the sustainable recharge of aquifers, which are critical for freshwater supply, becomes more challenging with changing precipitation patterns. Impact on • The visitor industry, a major economic driver, -can be severely affected by the loss of beaches, Tourism reefs, cultural and historic sites, which are major attractions. • Tourists' perceptions of climate risk may influence their decision to visit, impacting local businesses. Cultural & Social 0 Rising sea levels and extreme weather events may displace communities, particularly those Challenges located in vulnerable coastal areas. • Coastal ecosystems as well as many cultural and historical sites are at risk from coastal flooding and storm surge. Governance & 0 Effective climate adaptation requires coordinated efforts across various levels of government Policy and adequate funding, which can be challenging to secure and manage. Implementation Ensuring community involvement in planning and decision -making processes is essential for successful adaptation strategies. 3.0 Addressing Climate Change for Island -Wide Health I County of Hawaii General Plan 65