The county is seeking input from young islanders on how to combat and adapt to climate change.
Registration is now open for the first-ever County Youth Climate Summit scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 7 at the Kaua’i Philippine Cultural Center in Līhu’e.
“We know the effects of climate change are real and already exist on our island,” Mayor Derek Kawakami said in a press release. “As the county has become more energy efficient in recent years, we must continue to build our resilience and urgently plan for our future generations. Getting the perspectives of our youth at this summit is a key part of this important planning process and we hope you will all join us on that day.
The summit is free and aims to inspire young people aged 11 to 25 to share their opinions and ideas on how the island can adapt to the impacts of climate change. It is led by the County Office of Economic Development in partnership with the County Planning Department, which recently initiated the Kaua’i Climate Adaptation Plan planning process.
“According to the State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, more than 27 percent of our island’s population is under the age of 25, a significant amount that will witness the impacts of climate change,” the statement said.
Breakfast will be served and there will be opportunities to win prizes. Youth who attend can also earn up to two hours of community service, and additional volunteer hours are available for youth interested in hosting and preparing for the summit.
“We invite all young people to join us that morning to hear young leaders talk about their journey to climate action,” Office of Economic Development Director Nalani Brun said in the statement. “You will learn about local weather hazards that will impact our island and how day-to-day activities could be affected. It will be an opportunity to tell a story and collaborate with other young people on how we can prepare as a community.
To register click here.
For more information, to sign up as a volunteer, or to share climate-related projects at the summit, contact Ana Española at aespanola@kauai.gov.
Kaua’i’s Climate Adaptation Plan will include an island-wide hazard, risk and vulnerability assessment and adaptation measures for communities and infrastructure.
“We recently completed our first series of community open houses following the launch of Kaua’i’s Climate Adaptation Plan last month, and received valuable feedback that will help shape our next steps in the planning process. said planning director Ka’āina Hull in the press release. “This summit is a great opportunity to engage directly with our young people and give them a voice on issues that will impact their own future.”
For more information on the Climate Adaptation Plan, click here.
