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Table 14: Climate Mitigation Opportunities By focusing on the following areas, Hawaii County can make significant strides in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Transportation • Promoting the use of electric vehicles through expanding charging infrastructure. • Enhancing public transportation options to reduce reliance on personal vehicles. • Developing greater opportunities for active transportation. • Support the production of alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and biofuels, for transportation needs. Renewable a Generating energy locally can create more well -paying jobs in the energy field. Energy 0 Increasing the use of green technology will increase the energy independence of individuals and businesses on the island. • Supporting renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind, ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), and geothermal. Land Use & Well -planned development can increase individual agency and access to multimodal transportation. the Built 0 Implementing smart growth strategies can reduce urban sprawl and create more walkable Environment communities. • Developing a County building code that balances health and safety, affordability, and carbon footprint. • Encouraging the construction of energy -efficient buildings and retrofitting existing buildings. • Promoting regenerative agriculture practices that reduce emissions and enhance carbon sequestration. • Greening urban areas increases the availability of cool areas for residents to live and recreate. • Integrating energy savings and waste management provides an opportunity to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in new development. Waste • Pursuing innovative solutions, such as OTEC and waste -to -energy technology, to help achieve waste Management management goals. • Reducing waste decreases toxic runoff and watertable pollution, supporting healthy watersheds and soil. • Improving wastewater treatment technologies can protect reefs and therefore the industries and species that rely on them. • Increasing the repurposing of waste can create local jobs and support businesses. • Expanding recycling programs to reduce landfill waste and promote the circular economy. • Increasing composting of organic waste to reduce methane emissions from landfills. Conservation 0 Protecting reefs and marine ecosystems that act as carbon sinks. • Implementing a One Water strategy and other water -saving technologies and practices can reduce the energy required for water treatment and distribution. • Conserving natural habitats to preserve biodiversity and enhance ecosystem resilience to climate change. • Conservation of forest canopy and reforestation increases the recharge of aquifers. • Efforts to expand renewable energy can considerthe preservation of unique and diverse ecosystems, avoiding negative impacts on wildlife and natural habitats. Economic 0 Diversified economic activities can improve resiliency forthe visitor and agriculture industries. Resilience • Climate mitigation strategies can develop new industries and increase economic opportunities. Additional e Improving public engagement about climate change and encouraging sustainable practices. Measures • Implementing policies and regulations that support climate mitigation efforts. • Supporting research into new technologies and approaches for reducing emissions and enhancing resilience. 3.0 Addressing Climate Change for Island -Wide Health I County of Hawaii General Plan 66