As 2025 drew to a close, a new report from the Council on Strategic Risks (CSR) painted a concerning picture of climate security threats facing Hawaii. The report outlines the potential for climate change to disrupt both civilian communities and critical military operations across the islands, prompting a call for increased resilience and a warning about the potential impact of budget cuts to vital environmental monitoring programs.
The CSR report emphasizes the multifaceted nature of climate threats, including rising sea levels, more frequent and intense extreme weather events, and the increased risk of wildfires. These factors pose significant challenges to Hawaii's key economic sectors, particularly tourism and real estate, as well as crucial infrastructure. For Hawaii's entrepreneurs and investors, this translates to increased risk in business operations, property values, and the overall stability of the economic environment.
The report highlights the interconnectedness of these threats, illustrating how rising sea levels can exacerbate coastal erosion, damage infrastructure, and jeopardize critical military installations, while simultaneously threatening tourism and other businesses heavily reliant on coastal resources and infrastructure. Furthermore, the study underscores the critical importance of maintaining and even expanding programs that monitor weather patterns, ocean conditions, and potential environmental hazards. The report raises concerns that any budget reductions in these areas could significantly undermine Hawaii's ability to prepare for and respond to the increasing risks associated with climate change.
For Hawaii's policymakers and business leaders, the message is clear and urgent. Proactive strategies are needed to adapt to the changing climate, invest in resilient infrastructure, and ensure the long-term viability of the state's economy and communities. This includes strategies from a recent report by the Center for Biological Diversity, they are calling for the need to take care of irreplaceable places and ensure that Hawaii's unique resources and cultural heritage are protected. The CSR report serves as a crucial reminder that climate security is not just about environmental protection; it's a vital component of economic stability and national security.
