talkswithTabbi

I believe the most pressing issue facing Hawaiʻi’s shared resources is our dependence on fossil fuels and the greenhouse gases that come with them. The Aloha+ Dashboard shows transportation as our top emitter, proving how daily habits link to climate change. Civil Beat reports connect rising emissions to coral reef loss and sea level rise, threatening the islands’ foundation itself. My classmates need to know that these aren’t distant problems, they’re already visible in our coasts, our reefs, and the heat we feel every day. Understanding that connection is the first step toward living sustainably with the land that sustains us.

  Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO). “Energy in Hawaii. State of Hawaii, https://energy.hawaii.gov The Hawaii State Energy Office is a government agency tasked with implementing and monitoring energy policy. This makes it an authoritative, credible source. Its website and annual “Hawaii Energy Facts & Figures” reports in detail, the state’s dependence on imported oil and the policies driving its transition to renewable energy. The site includes data on electricity generation, electric vehicle adoption, fuel imports, and updates on Hawaii's 100% Renewable Portfolio Standard goal by 2045. It also explains the economic risks of fossil fuel imports, which are affected by global oil prices and shipping costs. This source supports my paper by showing how energy policy and infrastructure affect fossil fuel use. I can use it to explain where fossil fuels enter Hawaii's economy through power generation and transportation, and how the state is attempting to reduce that reliance throu...

When I think about what aspects of fossil fuels I'd be willing to dive into, environmental protection and public health stands out. The pollution caused by burning oil, and coal harms the air we breathe, contributes to climate change, and increases risks of asthma, cancer, among other illnesses. Fighting this would mean cleaner air, healthier communities, and a shift toward renewables that protect our future generations. For me, this kind of struggle isn't just about stopping something harmful, it's about pushing for a better alternative. I would like to work toward policies that support renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and fair treatment for communities most affected by fossil fuel use. Even though the process may feel slow and frustrating, the chance to create a meaningful change would motivate me to push through. After all, the cost of doing nothing is far greater than the cost of fighting for the health of the collective.

  While researching fossil fuels, I discovered three things that really stood out to me. First, I learned how much government subsidies keep fossil fields cheaper than renewable energy, even though renewables are safer for the environment. That was shocking because it shows how politics, not just science, shape our energy use. Second, I found it interesting how fossil fuel companies often downplay the environmental impact, despite clear evidence linking them to climate change and public health issues. Finally, one of the most persuasive things I read was how communities living near refineries and power plants are hit the hardest.  These findings made me realize that fossil fuels are not just an environmental issue- there are also social, political, and economic issues tied to inequality, corporate power, and government policy. This perspective gave my research both urgency, and direction, connecting facts about fossil fuels to real world consequences.

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  When thinking about my next paper, I keep going back and forth between two really important topics in Hawaii: fossil fuels and the housing crisis. Both issues deeply affect residents everyday lives, and both connect to questions of sustainability, health, and the future of our islands. Fossil fuels are essential to Hawaii's energy system, but they also pollute the air, harm the health of our communities, and contribute to climate change. On the other hand, the housing crisis highlights the social and economic struggles that make it hard for local families to reside in their island they grew up in and call home, with limited affordable housing, rising rents, and gentrification changing the face of our neighborhoods. I'm drawn to these topics because they feel both urgent and relevant. Writing about fossil fuels would let me explain how Hawaii's relevance on imported oil and gas impacts the environment and public health, while also considering renewable alternatives. Writin...