From Fortune Magazine:

Hawai’i faced the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century on August, causing loss of 97 people and destroying multi-generational homes and cultural history. The state has unique challenges due to its island location and innovative solutions to build resilience and strength in the face of climate change.

The extreme weather conditions that led to the Maui wildfire are indicative of a global climate crisis, with September 2023 being the hottest month on record and 2023 expected to be the hottest year in recorded history. Localized adaptation and innovative technology can help address the different impacts from climate change.

Hawai’i has been a hub of innovation and the first U.S. state to set a goal of 100% homegrown renewable energy. The independence from world markets aligns with local needs, minimizing reliance and increasing local wealth creation. The state aims to bring energy resilience to the household level and advance public safety through renewable energy.

In the aftermath of the fires, Hawai’i communities are welcoming energy and disaster response innovations. These include residential solar panels, battery storage, utility shut-off for grid power, and electric vehicles to power homes and medical devices during power outages. Innovations like emergency solar generators and AI-driven risk analysis are also instrumental in disaster response.

Restoring a relationship with nature and land is crucial following the Maui wildfires. Studies suggest that restoring native forests and active agriculture in dry lands can create green buffer zones and contribute to better, more resilient forest planting and water regeneration. Local agriculture and technology can reduce the risk of wildfires and foster landscape health and resilience.

Hawai’i presents itself as a prime example of community-centered climate technology development. Understanding local needs remains essential in addressing climate challenges. Restoring a deep relationship with nature and land is essential to instill resilience in communities to combat the unprecedented scale of climate change.

Hawaiian Dawn Lippert and Josh Stanbro are advocates for prioritizing locally relevant technologies and community impact in addressing climate change. It promotes a resilient future for Hawaii and other communities facing climate challenges.

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Read more: Amid climate disasters and despite its own tragedy, Hawaii provides a model for community-centered innovation