The Abercrombie administration said Monday (Sept. 30) that Hawaii is “the first sub-national government” to sign onto the Majuro Declaration for Climate Leadership.

The declaration was presented Friday by leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum to the United Nations Secretary General.

“The State of Hawaii stands with other islands around the world in recognizing the urgent threat of climate change to our sustainability,” Gov. Neil Abercrombie said in a statement. “We have signed onto the Majuro Declaration to share our ambitious commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through innovative energy transformation. We also understand the need to prepare for climate change adaptation through an integrated approach to building a green, resilient economy.” 

On Sept. 5, the Pacific Islands Forum adopted the Majuro Declaration in response to “scientific evidence that escalating emissions of greenhouse gases are causing global warming and Pacific Islands are on the front lines of the impacts. …”  

Photo: Seychelles Ambassador Ronald Jumeau meets Gov. Neil Abercrombie at a Washington Place reception Sept. 10. (Abercrombie administration)

—Chad Blair