Hawaii Sells Out Youth Climate Activists: "Settlement" Gives Up on Ambitious Emissions Targets
In a shocking betrayal of their promises, the state of Hawaii and the Department of Transportation have caved to the demands of a group of young plaintiffs, abandoning their ambitious goal to reach zero greenhouse gas emissions from transportation by 2045. Instead, the state will be dedicating a paltry $40 million to building out its EV charging network by the end of the decade and completing pedestrian, bicycle, and transit networks over the next five years.
This "settlement" is a slap in the face to the 13 youth plaintiffs who filed suit against the state in 2022, alleging that their right to a "clean and healthful environment" was being violated. The lead plaintiff, Navahine F., is reportedly "proud" of the hard work that led to this underwhelming outcome, but it’s hard to see how anyone can be proud of a deal that so blatantly fails to meet the state’s own climate goals.
This latest development is a stark reminder of the challenges facing climate activists in their quest for justice. The state’s commitment to reaching net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2045, made in 2018, is already being abandoned, and the transportation sector, which accounts for the largest chunk of the state’s greenhouse gas pollution, is being given a free pass.
As one insider notes, "Burying our heads in the sand and making it the next generation’s problem is not pono." But that’s exactly what the state is doing. Instead of taking bold action to address the climate crisis, they’re kicking the can down the road, leaving future generations to deal with the consequences of their inaction.
This "settlement" is a warning sign for other youth climate activists across the country, who are fighting for their rights to a safe and sustainable future. The fact that this lawsuit was expected to be the next landmark youth climate case to go to trial in the US only underscores the gravity of this betrayal.
In the face of this disappointing outcome, climate activists must remain vigilant and continue to push for real change. The stakes are too high, and the future of our planet depends on it.
