HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0494.042 2018-2020 PIWAIM_
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From: Zoe Whitney <zwhitney@hawaii.edu>
Sent: Monday, September 30, 2019 9:30 PM 7919 OCT -7 MI 05
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Climate Emergency Resolution
Aloha, I am a 21-year-old UHH Environmental Science student born and raised in Hawaii who volunteers as a
liaison for and founder of the Hawaii Island Chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby. I am also the Vice President of
Students of Sustainability and sit on the UHHSA Sustainability Committee. This Climate Emergency
'Resolution is of the utmost importance to my generation.
When first introducing the Climate Emergency Resolution to Mayor Kim, he expressed his concern for
conservation but explained that he cannot dedicate too much attention to the climate crisis because he needs to
focus on preventing war. He acknowledges that war has a major environmental impact. He also mentioned the
idea of subsistence and that we can't assume that people don't feel guilty about what they have to do for
survival.
I hearMayor Kim and would like to clarify why we need a Climate Emergency Resolution:
• Conservation: Though conservation of native wildlife and biodiversity is hugely important(I spent a
summer working with nene), simplifying the issue to something like "save the polar bears" or"save the
bees" gives the public the impression that the issue will only impact a couple of species. I've heard
people say, "My kids will never see a polar bear". That is such a small fraction of the impact the climate
crisis will have. A more accurate statement is that"My kids will grow up in a world where rich countries
must dedicate all their resources to surviving against natural disaster, sea-level rise, ocean acidification,
ecosystem collapse, crop failure, disease, water shortages, etc. while also watching poor countries suffer,
disappear, and die under these stressors".
• Subsistence: I interned for the Pacific Disaster Center. We talked there a lot about disaster resilience. It
is not always accurate to say, "We are saving our lives from climate change". If you are privileged, such
as a white American, the government will throw money at the problem to protect you. The climate crisis
will make your life significantly more difficult and decrease your standard of living, but you will most
likely not die. However, if you live in a 2nd or 3rd world country or live as a minority in a 1st world
country, you may die. So, if you are privileged, as I am, I would say, "We are trying to preserve a
certain standard of living that will not be constantly disrupted by the climate crisis. More importantly,
taking climate action may literally save those who rich governments will not have the money or interest
to shield- such as ethnic minorities, refugees, or third world countries". Also, or course, even the first
world will run out of money at some point. I am afraid to have a child because of this.
• War: I agree that peace,is a priority. You mentioned the environmental impact of war. Consider that
environmental stressors will also likely cause more war. The best form of peacekeeping is preventing
these stressors through climate action. The same goes for natural disasters. Spending money on
preventing natural disasters will go so much farther than money on recovery. The ex-Nazi party in
Sweden gained votes after taking in climate refugees. My boyfriend is afraid that racism will build in
Sweden. This puts refugees in a huge amount of danger. Racism is a racist culture's fault. Sweden needs
to learn not to be racist. But this is just one example of the many social stressors that will arise and put
vulnerable peoplein danger due in part to climate change. We need to think of the climate crisis not
only as an environmental issue but also as social issue prevention.
Comm. No. 49'42-
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Ref. Date 'OCT 1 61019