The State Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission announced July 19 that Leah Laramee has been selected to serve as the commission’s interim climate change mitigation and adaptation coordinator.
Laramee’s promotion comes after serving five months as the acting interim coordinator, according to a press release from the Hawaii governor’s office.
“I am honored to be joining the Climate Commission as coordinator,” Laramee said, in the release. “I intend to continue my support of the Commission’s mission to promote ambitious, climate-neutral, culturally responsive strategies for climate change adaptation and mitigation in a manner that is clean, equitable and resilient.”
Laramee collaborated with the University of Hawaii as interim coordinator to create a guidance document highlighting the White House’s Justice40 Initiative, the release stated. This initiative is part of Act 185 which establishes Hawaii’s Carbon Smart Land Management Assistance Pilot Program to create carbon sequestration activity incentives.
“The commission is thrilled to have Leah as the new coordinator,” Co-Chair of the Climate Commission, Suzanne Case, said in the release. “Her diverse experience in planning, policy, and climate change action in Hawaii will drive her success in this role. We look forward to seeing how Leah furthers the Commission’s mission and priority projects.”
Laramee served as a natural resource planner with the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), the release stated. There, she helped lead the 2016 bid and hosting of the World Conservation Congress in Honolulu. At that event, Gov. David Ige (D-HI) launched the Sustainable Hawaii Initiative. This allowed Hawaii to be recognized as a leader in worldwide conservation efforts, according to the release.
“Leah showcased her adaptability as she took on the role of interim climate coordinator,” Co-Chair of the Climate Commission Mary Alice Evans said, in the release. “Her ability to navigate the new responsibilities, managing the VISTA staff, and developing new projects in her five months in the interim role represents the success she will have going forward.”
Laramee has a Master of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Management from the University of Hawaii, Mānoa. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a minor in political science, according to the release.