PUHI — Registration is open for the County of Kaua‘i’s first-ever Youth Climate Summit, set for Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center.
The summit is free, and aims to engage youth from 11 to 25 to share their opinions and ideas on how Kaua‘i can adapt to the impacts of climate change.
The summit is being led by the county’s Office of Economic Development in partnership with the county’s Planning Department, which recently launched the planning process for the Kaua‘i Climate Adaption Plan (CAP).
“We know that the effects of climate change are real and already exist on our island,” said Mayor Derek Kawakami. “While the county has become more energy efficient in recent years, we must continue to build our resiliency and plan with urgency for our future generations. Gaining our youth’s perspectives during this summit is a key part of this important planning process, and we hope you all will join us that day.”
According to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, over 27% of the island’s population is under 25 years old, a significant amount that will witness the impacts of climate change. The county is committed to incorporating this population’s perspectives, experiences and skills as strategies are developed for the Kaua‘i CAP, said Kawakami.
“You’ll learn of local climate hazards that will impact our island and how daily activities could be affected. It will be an opportunity to talk story and collaborate with fellow youth on how we can prepare as a community,” said Nalani Brun, OED director.
“We recently completed our first round of community open houses after launching the Kaua‘i Climate Adaptation Plan last month, and we received valuable feedback that will help shape our next steps in the planning process,” said Planning Department Director Ka‘aina Hull. “This summit is a great opportunity to engage directly with our youth and give them a voice on issues that will impact their own future.”
Breakfast will be served at the summit, with opportunities to win prizes. Youth can gain up to two hours of community service for attending the event. Additional volunteer hours are available for youth interested in facilitating and preparing for the summit.
To register for the summit, click on the following link: https://form.jotform.com/221077607697162. For additional information, to sign up as a volunteer or to share climate-related projects at the summit, contact Ana Espanola at aespanola@kauai.gov.
The Kaua‘i CAP will include an islandwide hazard, risk and vulnerability assessment and adaptation actions for communities and infrastructure. For more information on the Kaua‘i CAP, visit kauaiadaptation.com.
