Residents of Maui have become increasingly alarmed about climate change, especially after last year’s devastating fires. In 2024, a national climate survey by Yale University found that about 76% of Maui residents expressed concern about global warming, marking a notable rise of six percentage points since 2022. This heightened anxiety may reflect the real impacts felt on the island, but there’s still a gap between awareness and personal perception of climate change.
Interestingly, despite the recent fires, a significant number of residents—over 40%—believe climate change will only affect them a little or not at all. While 78% see it as a future problem for the next generations, just 58% claim to have personally experienced any effects of global warming.
Yale data reveals that concern about global warming on Maui has grown nearly 10% in the last decade. Moreover, the worry is more pronounced here, with 7% more residents feeling anxious about climate change compared to the average across all five Hawaiian counties.
Surveys show a strong desire for action on climate issues at both state and community levels. More than half the respondents believe that Governor Josh Green should enhance efforts to combat climate change, while local leaders, particularly in Hawaiʻi County, are facing increasing calls for proactive measures. A large majority—over 70%—urge businesses to take responsibility and step up their efforts against climate change.
This growing concern isn’t just local. A recent report shows that more than 60% of Americans now recognize climate change as a significant threat to their health and the environment, marking a shift in public opinion nationwide.
In summary, while Maui residents are increasingly worried about the effects of climate change, there’s a notable disconnect between awareness and the perceived personal risks. This reflects a broader trend seen across the U.S., where acknowledgment of climate threats is on the rise, but many individuals still feel somewhat insulated from its immediate impact. For further insights, you can check the Yale Climate Opinion Maps.
Check out this related article: Unlocking Insights: 5 Key Takeaways from Perugia’s Global Summit of Journalists and Climate Innovators
Source link