University of Hawai’i at Manoa Climate Change Commission

1. University of Hawai’i at Manoa Climate Change Commission Makena Coffman Vice Chair MCCC Presentation to Faculty Senate Wednesday, 3/19/08

2. Climate Change and Hawai’iTop Threats and Challenges • Increased social and economic isolation • Food? • Energy? • Tourism? • Sea Level Rise • Coastal infrastructure • Airport, Oil refineries, Ports & Harbors, Coastal roads • Increased aquifer salinity • Ecosystem Collapse • ocean acidification ==> dying coral reef systems • increased vulnerability to storm surges

3. Mission The University of Hawaii Manoa Climate Change Commission’s mission is to lead the University in catalyzing, building and applying our collective expertise to meet the challenges of global climate change to our University, Pacific Islands, and global communities through formulating and ensuring implementation of recommendations for mitigation and adaptation based on trans-disciplinary research, education and outreach.

4. Primary Tasks Tasked with two primary responsibilities • To monitor and recommend strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with activities of UHM • To serve as a resource to advance the public awareness of the consequences of climate change on Hawai’i and beyond

5. Current Initiatives • American College & University President’s Climate Commitment • State of Hawaii Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Task Force

6. ACUPCC • In February, 2007, UHM became an early adopter of the University President’s Climate Commitment • Now over 500 Universities and Colleges nationwide that have made the same commitment • Goal to achieve climate neutrality over long-term time horizon

7. The Commitment • complete a comprehensive inventory of all greenhouse gas emissions (including emissions from electricity, heating, commuting, and air travel) and update the inventory every other year thereafter • develop an institutional action plan for becoming climate neutral, which will include • a target date for achieving climate neutrality & interim targets • curriculum development • expand research or related efforts • mechanisms for tracking progress

8. Near-term, How To? • all new campus construction with LEED Silver • ENERGY STAR appliance purchasing policy • offset air travel GHG emissions • Encourage/provide access to public transportation for all faculty, staff, students and visitors • begin purchasing or producing at least 15% of electricity consumption from renewables • adopt waste minimization policies MCCC creating tangible recommendations for UHM, in collaboration with energy initiatives

9. ACT 234 - State Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Task Force • State committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 • Created Task Force to develop the timeline and work plan • Two MCCC members serve as representatives on Task Force & Analysis Committee

10. Focus on Market-Based mechanisms • Links to National Policy • Minimize Leakage • Initial plan to be unveiled at Leg 2009

11. Mahalo www.sustainability.hawaii.edu/group/climate makena.coffman@hawaii.edu