HONOLULU (KHON2) — “A defender: Driving action for communities.” That’s how Hawaii Gov. Josh Green was described when he was selected as one of the “Most Influential Climate Leaders of 2025.”
The list brings together 100 business leaders who “are working to help unlock the necessary funding and resources needed for successful and equitable climate action.”
TIME100 emphasized Gov. Green’s accomplishments toward climate change adaptation through his creation of the Climate Advisory Team, the group that brought the Green Fee to life.
When asked what single most important action could advance the climate agenda, Gov. Green highlighted the green fee — which looks to generate $100 million annually.
We need greater public investment in climate adaptation efforts, particularly restoring natural environmental resources and defenses. Thanks to this policy, when travelers visit Hawaii, they are helping to fund and support our entire state’s community health and resilience and will enhance our natural resources.
Gov. Josh Green M.D.
And that’s not all — in 2026, Gov. Green looks forward to updating the state’s electrical infrastructure to transition away from oil as the state’s predominant fuel for electrical generation.
He cited the state’s push to support the buildout of local renewable energy and fuel alternatives for oil — hoping to achieve greater energy security, lower costs for residents and help meet 2045 decarbonization goals.
Gov. Green continues to pave the way as one of 100 global leaders who aim to tackle the climate crisis and reassures the community of his commitment to prioritize their safety, resilience and affordability.
“It will just take political will and decisiveness. Climate and public policy issues are very complex; however, approaching problems from a pragmatic perspective will enable us to balance potentially competing priorities and safeguard the future,” Gov. Green said in an interview with TIME.
He added that while these efforts are easier said than done, it is possible.
“It’s what we are doing now in Hawaii. And for that, we should all have hope and optimism.”
How the TIME100 leaders were chosen
One hundred leaders is a lengthy list, and it’s only fit for the selection process to take months.
TIME said editors took the time to vet names from across sectors. Each recipient was chosen based on their “measurable, scalable achievements over commitments and announcements.”
They looked for leaders who have used their position to take action and make significant progress in influencing the climate economy.
For the full list of leaders, click HERE.