The Hawaii Red Cross on the frontlines of the climate crisis

In 1917, Queen Liliuokalani sewed a Red Cross flag that flew over the Iolani Palace during World War I. Red Cross volunteers were busy in the Throne Room rolling bandages for the war. The Hawaiian Red Cross was chartered as a division of the American Red Cross and the flag was presented to the territorial governor on September 14, 1917.

Queen Liliuokalani exclaimed: “The flag is an expression of my warm and hearty sympathy for the cause of humanity.” Today, the original flag still resides at the Diamond Head Red Cross headquarters in Oahu.

Over the years, the Hawaii Red Cross has assisted victims of floods, fires and health epidemics, to name just a few disasters. They have trained people in first aid, water safety and home fire preparedness.

Furthermore, they have assisted and supported active and retired U.S. Army service members at home and abroad.

Recently, back-to-back storms Helene and Milton caused unprecedented destruction in Florida and North Carolina. On September 26, Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm and carved a path from Florida’s Gulf Coast to Tennessee.

Ten days later, Hurricane Milton strengthened in the warm waters of the Gulf from Category 2 to Category 5 in just a few hours, making landfall on the Florida coast as a Category 3 on October 9. Storm surges, high winds, and rainfall were more extensive. and more intense than predicted.

As of October 14, about 2,100 Red Cross aid workers are helping people in the southeast cope with enormous losses. Severe weather events like this could impact Hawaii, and we need to be ready.

Multiple challenges

The American Red Cross faces multiple challenges due to the frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters. Globally, 83% of all natural disasters over the past decade were caused by extreme weather and climate-related events. The humanitarian consequences of the climate crisis will be greater in the future if no efforts are made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The August 8, 2023 wildfire in Maui, caused in part by the climate crisis, was one of the largest wildfires in U.S. history. Hawaii Red Cross response staff quickly arrived on the scene, and many other Red Cross volunteers flew in from across the country to join the mission. Over the next six months, an estimated 32,700 people were reached by American Red Cross disaster response and recovery services.

As a Family Liaison Officer for the U.S. Department of State, I assisted in the preparation and, if necessary, evacuation of official Americans serving abroad when disasters occurred. After the Maui wildfires, I, like so many others who were called to help during this disaster, volunteered for the Hawaii Red Cross. I then became interested in the impact of the climate crisis on the Red Cross rescue, recovery and support mission.

While the Red Cross responded to the Maui wildfires and remained on the ground to assist with recovery, it simultaneously prepared volunteers and supplies for Hurricane Idalia along the Gulf Coast. At the same time, the country responded to a typhoon in Guam and extreme flooding in the Northeast.

The Red Cross must be prepared to deploy volunteers to multiple disasters occurring simultaneously in different geographic locations, with the uncertainty of future weather conditions and the increasing intensity of the disasters.

The climate crisis increases the risk of severe weather events in Pacific Island communities. Climate-related impacts have resulted in the need to strategically increase Red Cross resources.

“Our changing climate is a humanitarian crisis for the communities and people we serve,” said Gail McGovern, former CEO of the Red Cross, “and no matter how quickly we adapt, needs are escalating faster. There is no time to wait.”

Instead of seasonal climate events, there are now disasters all year round. There are a greater number of events, with increasing intensity. As a result, the Red Cross is responding to more humanitarian events and requires more resources: shelters, volunteers and funding.

Our isolated island nation has a fragile infrastructure and a complex supply chain. If a Category 4 or 5 hurricane were to blow through our islands, the rescue and recovery challenges would be significant.

“The American Red Cross is at a pivotal time in our more than 140-year history,” said Noel Anderson, Red Cross Chief Sustainability Officer. “On the front lines of the climate crisis, our volunteers are working tirelessly to help families and communities struggling with the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters.”

The Red Cross has responded to the climate crisis by cutting emissions, reducing waste and reducing water use. It continued to invest in green energy and launched several pilots aimed at electrifying the fleet and sustainable supply. It kicked off ‘Green Teams’, which are voluntary communities of employees and volunteers who actively promote sustainability efforts within their regions and business units.

There are many ways you can get involved and help.

In addition, the Red Cross urges the adoption of government policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Without reductions in emissions, the Earth will become even warmer than it is today, and climate-induced disasters will become more frequent and extreme. Prevention is crucial, but if a disaster does occur, the Red Cross will be there.

The people of Hawaii are proud of their community and grassroots solidarity in disaster response and preparedness. There are many ways you can get involved and help.

There is a need for more Red Cross volunteers. The Red Cross has a well-developed training program for volunteers who can participate in many capacities with the Hawaii Red Cross. The climate crisis is a humanitarian crisis. Like the Maui wildfires, you don’t think it could happen here, or that it could happen again – until it does.

Every community, every group and every individual that chooses to volunteer or donate makes a difference. Now is the time to get involved and help the Hawaiian Red Cross’ humanitarian mission.

For more information, click here to learn how you can support your community.