The Climate Resilience Collaborative (CRC) is more than a lab; we are a frontline “solutions engine” for the islands. Led by Dr. Charles “Chip” Fletcher, our team works at the intersection of world-class modeling and community-led adaptation. Our mission is to build community resilience by creating comprehensive Climate Risk Assessments that pair cutting-edge modeling tools with direct community input.
In an era of shifting federal priorities, our work is supported almost entirely by “soft money.” This means every model and map created, every sensor we deploy, and every student we train is made possible by the commitment of partners and donors like you. Your gift ensures that Hawaiʻi’s best minds stay here in the islands, building the tools we need to thrive as an island community surrounded by rising seas, expanding drought, intense floods, and growing heat.
Where Your Gift Goes
Please consider contributing to one of our UH Foundation Funds to keep the lights on for Hawaiʻi’s climate future.
1. Climate Resilience Excellence Fund (Our Greatest Need)
This is the backbone of the CRC. It allows us to fill the gap when federal funding fluctuates, ensuring our professional scientists and modeling analysts can continue their work without interruption.
Impact: Sustains critical staff positions, maintains high-performance computing for flood simulations, purchases sensor nodes, funds drone surveys for erosion tracking, and supports the field teams monitoring our most vulnerable beaches.
2. The Next Generation: Coastal Graduate Fellowship
We believe Hawaiʻi’s challenges should be solved by those who call these islands home. This fund provides stipends and research support for our graduate students, the future specialists who will go on to lead climate policy at the state and county levels.
Impact: Covers salaries & tuition, field research supplies, and travel for students to present island-specific data to global audiences.
3. Community Engagement & “Wicked Problem” Workshops
Science only works if it is accessible. This fund supports our Community and Government Advisory Teams, ensuring that local residents have a seat at the table when their future is being planned.
Impact: Funds town halls, the creation of “Digital Twin” visualizations for public use, and collaborative sessions between researchers and community leaders to ground-truth our models.
Why Now?
The threats to our communities, from compound flooding in Waikīkī to erosion on the North Shore, are accelerating. By investing in the Climate Resilience Collaborative, you are ensuring that Hawaiʻi doesn’t just react to the changing environment but leads the way in adapting to it.
Mahalo for your support and for standing with us to protect the place we love.