Climate change is not an issue; it is a global phenomenon.

In the United States this phenomenon is becoming increasingly more apparent. Climate change is the global increase of the Earth’s temperature by human activity, causing the degradation of its ozone layer, and the rise of its sea levels to dangerous heights. Much of this climate change is caused by the massive amounts of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere via the burning of fossil fuels such as gasoline, oil and coal.

In Hawaii, ground transportation accounts for one-third of carbon emissions emitted into the atmosphere. Not only is this release of carbon dioxide causing an increase in the Earth’s temperature, but it is poisoning the air we breathe by raising the levels of smog in our cities. It is time for Hawaii to move into the future and establish a system of 100 percent clean ground transportation.

House Bill 1580 promotes ground transportation completely dependent on renewable energy by 2045. The passing of this bill not only would greatly address the issue of climate change, but it would make Hawaii a positive example for the rest of the world as well.

The state of Hawaii currently has a goal of achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2045; HB1580 will set benchmarks for eliminating the use of fossil fuels which will further Hawaii toward this goal. Hawaii’s rate of fuel consumption has remained stagnant within the past decade, releasing massive amounts of carbon.

According to a study done by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), if the level of carbon emissions stays the same throughout the planet, we will have until 2036; after this year, global temperatures will rise to levels harmful to human civilization. This is merely a worst-case scenario. It is prediction of what will happen if we do not act, and change our methods of creating energy.

HB1580 will push Hawaii in the right direction, and create a response to this worsening global phenomenon. Creating a state based solely around renewable energy and achieving Hawaii’s 2045 goal is possible. Entire countries such as Denmark are well on their way of achieving 100 percent renewable energy. The United States is, unfortunately, behind in this regard.

HB1580 will make Hawaii an example for the entire nation. The entirety of the United States must follow this path toward clean renewable energy if it is to ensure the safety of its citizens. The bill needs to not only be passed here in Hawaii, but put in the national spotlight as well, to help pave the way toward a more hospitable future. The benefits for achieving 100 percent clean ground transportation go even beyond climate change.

It is estimated that the use of electric vehicles can save consumers over $150 million per year. The Blue Planet Foundation projects that the cost of fuel will be continually higher than powering an electric vehicle in the long term due to increasing oil costs. HB1580 cannot be overlooked.

Climate change affects us all whether we believe it or not. 2016 was the hottest year on record; we need to create a safe and livable future for the next generation. It is time for a change.

Maxim Poudrier-Tudan, a student at the University of Hawaii-Manoa, is co-leader of the Citizen’s Climate Lobby’s Oahu chapter and a member of the Sierra Club’s energy team.