University of Manoa professor Chip Fletcher today was among “environmental heroes” recognized at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 12th annual Environmental Awards Ceremony in Los Angeles.

Fletcher, a professor of geology and geophysics, won this year’s EPA Environmental Award in Hawaii, the agency announced.

The EPA said it was honoring him “for his work in climate change science with the university’s Center for Island Climate Adaptation and Policy.”

The EPA called Fletcher “an integral part of the university’s Center for Island Climate Adaptation and Policy. The Center connects individuals and institutions to the scope of climate knowledge at the University of Hawai’i. The Center works in the areas of law, policy, planning, and science to mitigate and adapt to climate change while embracing the wisdom of local, traditional cultures.

“Dr. Chip Fletcher not only studies Island climate adaptation and policy issues, but he also excels at communicating his findings to policy makers and the public.”

The awards recognize “community activists, forward-thinking elected officials, innovative researchers, sustainable businesses, cutting edge green technologies and a young eco-activist,” the EPA said.