A new report on climate change in the Pacific Islands reveals some major concerns for Hawaii, including warmer temperatures, scarcer fresh water supplies and declining open ocean fisheries.

The report highlights the findings of more than 100 scientists and other experts who looked at climate change impacts on Hawaii and other Pacific Islands as part of the 2013 National Climate Assessment. Their work is supported in part by NOAA and the East-West Center. 

Among the report’s highlights:

• Decreased freshwater supplies in the future

• Higher air temperatures, especially at high elevations

• Higher sea-surface temperatures causing coral bleaching and linked to the increased prevalence of certain coral diseases

• Threats to traditional lifestyles of indigenous Pacific Island communities

• Rising sea levels, causing coastal flooding and erosion that are likely to damage coastal infrastructure and agriculture, impact tourism, and negatively affect ecosystems and endangered species.

There will be a free public forum about the report’s findings on December 10 at the East-West Center. 

Meantime, checkout the full report.