Declaring A Public Health Emergency Relating To Climate Change And Requesting Statewide Coordination To Identify, Plan For, And Create Cross-sector Solutions To Strengthen Hawaii's Public Health Response To The Climate Crisis.
The resolution seeks to foster a comprehensive approach by requiring various state departments to examine how climate considerations impact public health. This approach transcends traditional silos in state administration, suggesting that land, water, agriculture, transportation, and emergency services are all interconnected in their operational impact on human health. By mobilizing state resources, the resolution aims to enhance resilience against the detrimental effects of climate change on Hawaii's population, particularly as an island state vulnerable to these impacts.
SCR111 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that declares a public health emergency relating to climate change in the State of Hawaii. The resolution underscores the urgent need for statewide coordination to develop and implement cross-sector solutions aimed at strengthening Hawaii's public health response to the climate crisis. It acknowledges the direct correlation between climate change and various public health challenges, such as increased heat, vector-borne diseases, food and water insecurity, and mental health impacts resulting from eco-grief. Scientific bodies, including the World Health Organization, reinforce the notion that climate change poses a significant threat to public health.
With mounting evidence supporting the assertion that climate change can exacerbate health issues, SCR111 may invite both support and opposition. Proponents, including public health advocates and environmental groups, applaud the proactive stance on health and safety while critics may argue about the feasibility of implementing the requested solutions. Notably, there could be concerns regarding potential burdens on state agencies and the efficacy of coordinated efforts across departments. The resolution builds on previous actions taken by Hawaii, such as being the first state to declare a climate emergency, positioning SCR111 as a continuation of the state's leadership in climate adaptation.