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which leak into groundwater aquifers and coastal <br />ecosystems. These changes pose significant risks <br />to our food and water sources., ecosystems, air <br />quality, cultural connections to `aina, agriculture <br />and visitor industries, and overall health and well- <br />being. <br />The threats to public health from the climate crisis <br />are extensive and may affect some areas and <br />populations more than others. The Hawaii County <br />General Plan recognizes the critical need to <br />address these vulnerabilities through <br />comprehensive, proactive strategies. By <br />integrating climate resilience into planning <br />processes, we aim to protect our communities, <br />ensure the availability of clean water and air, and <br />promote sustainable development practices. Our <br />approach emphasizes collaboration across <br />sectors, community engagement, and the use of <br />scientific data to guide decision -making. <br />Incorporating climate change considerations into <br />our planning processes not only safeguards public <br />health but also strengthens the resilience of our <br />communities. Through adaptive measures and <br />innovative solutions', we are committed to fostering <br />a healthy, thriving environment for current and <br />future generations. <br />Figure 4 Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in Hawai 1i2 <br />Air Poliutibn & Increasing Allergens <br />di5 a5e: Impacts of YOG & decreasing fro m <br />a Heat <br />H� t related illness., death., a dr t ion., <br />d e c r: Sao % P, d lea rning, i n c rea secl viollen,ce, <br />occupational hazards <br />am <br />W e ir supply tmpacts, decreased <br />air quality <br />Environmental Degradation <br />MMLATII I el S,. civI I C 0rlflict, loss f C'u I �tu r a <br />tics to la r.it. , Ions otourism econorny <br />Wildfires & Wildfire Smoke <br />n l..0 r i , f a to I Ft es, loss of k onn, cardlovascuiar and <br />respiratory diseases. o pounded 6y, IMP005 of VOG <br />decreasing trade winds <br />Degraded Living ti <br />Social Inequi4i <br />xuicr 6a fio n of soc,ial vu I nern i I i tJ s 0118 <br />Risk of Invasive Vectors <br />Dengue, c i kun u n o, Zika,, Malaria? <br />West Mile it S <br />Food System Impacts <br />Molnu-trition,od insecurity, i r <br />prices, food6orne 1,11ness'. fragile i'rnport <br />Supply chain <br />Severe Weather & Floods <br />Injuries, drowning, loss Of kome� Indoor <br />fungi and maid, exposure,to chemi,cal <br />. .. .. ... W-a-44--r—Q�i-alffilty Impaft, <br />Harmful algol, 1611ooms, compylo6octeriosils, <br />,cr ypt ospori dio S i's V Ie t pi ri� drinking, <br />water quality degr,adatlon <br />36102 Climate Action in Hawaii County <br />The County has a dual role to play: climate <br />mitigation and climate adaptation. Climate <br />mitigation refers to actions that reduce the flow of <br />greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere, <br />either by reducing sources of these gases or <br />enhancing the sinks that accumulate and store <br />these gases. Mitigation serves to ensure that future <br />climate change is as moderate and manageable as <br />possible. Climate adaptation refers to actions to <br />help people adjust to the current and future effects <br />of climate change. Adaptation primarily responds <br />to and manages climate change that cannot be <br />2 State of Hawaii Department of Health (DOH), Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response (HEER) Office, Impacts of Climate Change on Human <br />Health in Hawaii (Adapted from California Department of Public Health and CDC). <br />3.0 Addressing Climate Change for Island -Wide Health I County of Hawaii General Plan <br />57 <br />