As Under2 Coalition member Hawaii suffers from lethal wildfires, Climate Group extends its deepest sympathy to the Governor and local people.
Extreme weather events have affected Under2 Coalition states and regions worldwide this year. From floods and droughts in Emilia-Romagna to wildfires in Hawaii and California, it's clear the impacts of climate change are leading to more extreme - and more regular - situations like these.
With COP28 approaching, it's vital that national climate targets incorporate the experiences of subnational governments and that they reflect the urgency of the climate crisis.
Champa Patel, Executive Director of Governments and Policy at Climate Group, said:
“I’m devastated to see the extent of wildfires in Hawaii and their deadly impacts this week, and send my deepest condolences to the government and local communities as this continues to unfold.
“This summer has been the reminder none of us needed that climate change is here, now, and it’s only going to get worse. We need these fires to be an urgent wake up call. Unless we work together to tackle the causes and consequences of climate change then we have no hope of improving protecting the Earth and all its inhabitants in future. We need to take action and we need to do it now.”