‘I’ve never seen anything like it’: Hawaii’s small farmers begin recovery after catastrophic flooding

What Happened

In recent months, a series of devastating climate-related disasters has struck communities around the world, leaving many struggling to cope with the aftermath. In Hawaii, two kona low storms dumped up to 50 inches of rain on Oahu, flooding fields and submerging equipment, and destroying crops for small farmers like Eddie Oroyan and his wife, who had just started their farm, LewaTerra Farm, last year. "I've never seen anything like it," Oroyan said.

Meanwhile, in Papua New Guinea, a toxic ocean crisis has sparked a mass marine die-off, with hundreds of fish washing up on the shores of New Ireland, a mountainous island in the country's New Ireland Province. The crisis has also led to reports of severe rashes and other health problems among local residents who have come into contact with the affected seawater.

Why It Matters

These disasters are not isolated incidents, but rather symptoms of a larger problem: climate change. According to the latest State of the Global Climate report from the World Meteorological Organization, the effects of climate change are visible everywhere, from record-high concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to the way heat is accumulating deep in the oceans.

"The science is clear: human activities are causing the Earth's temperature to rise, and the consequences are already being felt," said U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres. "We must take immediate action to reduce our carbon footprint and transition to renewable energy sources."

What Experts Say

Experts warn that the Earth's energy imbalance, which tracks the gap between the solar energy entering our atmosphere and the heat escaping back into space, is a key indicator of the planet's overall health. "The energy imbalance is a measure of how much the Earth's climate is being pushed beyond its limits," said Bob, a climate scientist at Inside Climate News.

Key Facts

• Who: Small farmers like Eddie Oroyan and his wife, who lost their crops due to flooding in Hawaii
• What: Mass marine die-off and public health emergency in Papua New Guinea due to toxic ocean crisis
• When: Recent months, with disasters striking communities worldwide
• Where: Hawaii, Papua New Guinea, and other locations around the world
• Impact: Devastating consequences for communities, including loss of livelihoods, property damage, and health problems

What Comes Next

As the world struggles to come to terms with the consequences of climate change, there are signs of hope. In California, a huge solar project is underway, which aims to convert 136,000 acres of farmland into a renewable energy hub. The project, known as the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan, could help reduce the state's carbon footprint and provide a model for other communities to follow.

In Jamaica, residents are still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which caused unprecedented destruction last October. While many are struggling to rebuild their homes and lives, there are efforts underway to support them, including initiatives to provide secure roofing and other forms of assistance.

Key Numbers

• 50 inches: The amount of rain that fell on Oahu, Hawaii, during the kona low storms
• 136,000 acres: The size of the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan solar project in California
• 11 years: The number of consecutive years that have been the hottest on record globally

Background

The consequences of climate change are far-reaching and devastating, from more frequent and intense natural disasters to rising sea levels and melting glaciers. As the world struggles to come to terms with these challenges, it is clear that immediate action is needed to reduce our carbon footprint and transition to renewable energy sources.

What to Watch

As the planet continues to grapple with the consequences of climate change, there are several key developments to watch in the coming months and years. These include:

• The implementation of the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan in California and its potential impact on the state's carbon footprint
• The ongoing recovery efforts in Jamaica and other communities affected by Hurricane Melissa
• The release of new climate reports and data, which will provide further insight into the scope and severity of the climate crisis