“We’re in hot water (one cause of coral bleaching), and it’s killing the reef!” Photo: Liz Foote
Monday, November 30 marked the beginning of the United Nations’ global climate conference. The two-week event, held in Paris, brings together over 100 world leaders who will focus on developing feasible climate action plans.
But while pumping Pipeline may overshadow climate talks for many surfers, the decisions made in the next two weeks will profoundly impact the future of our oceans and beaches.
Coastal areas are particularly threatened by climate change, from sea level rise to intense storms, not to mention a host of issues associated with coastal food supplies and habitat changes. The threats are so real that Pacific nations like Kiribati have considered relocating their communities to areas more immune to climate change impacts. Coastal towns such as Pacifica and Ventura, both located in California, are also dealing with sea level rise issues firsthand. And they’re not alone.
In recent months, Hawai‘i has been on the front lines of climate change, with this summer’s extreme ocean temperatures resulting in one of the largest and most severe coral bleaching episodes in the state since 1996. In pure Maui style, island residents took to the waves on Sunday, Nov. 29 to raise awareness about these issues and challenge global leaders to take actionable steps to address climate change.
Drone footage from the event shows kayaks, outrigger canoes, surf boards, Stand-Up Paddle boards, and even an inflatable swan dotting the emerald blue water off the South Maui coastline. Many participants held homemade signs warning of the dangers of climate change.
Maui’s Paddle Out for Climate Change Awareness. Photo: Jake Cahill
The event was hosted as part of the worldwide Global Climate March, where more than 785,000 people in over 175 countries joined together over the weekend in one of the largest climate mobilizations in history.
Global temperatures have already risen about 1 C (1.75 F) since 1880, and unless steps are taken, could rise to 5 C (9 F) over preindustrial levels by 2100. However scientists predict that reaching the extreme end of these temperature projections would be catastrophic, and suggest that a 2 C (3.5 F) temperature rise would represent a global tipping point.
Climate change activists are nevertheless hopeful that this year’s conference will result in more concrete climate actions than in years past, with discussions focused on developing feasible, bottom-up climate action plans.
As ocean users, we stand toe-to-toe with climate change impacts, and it is our collective voice and actions that will ultimately decide the fate of not only our favorite surf breaks, but also our planet.
“It’s all about education”, said Malia Cahill, Maui event organizer and Executive Director of Maui Huliau Foundation. Cahill, who was impressed by the number of families and children who attended “It’s the next generation who will be most affected by our decisions. In addition to empowering our youth, we really need to set a new, more sustainable course for them to build upon.”
Maui’s Paddle Out for Climate Change Awareness – Photo Credit Jake Cahill
