A project of the East-West Center and the Center for Pacific Islands Studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
The Pacific Islands face significant threats from climate change, jeopardizing US strategic interests. Increased US diplomatic engagement and support for climate resilience are essential. Meanwhile, China’s growing influence in the region, highlighted by economic ties and security agreements, necessitates a cooperative approach from the US to ensure regional stability and security.
Gabriel Otis, a master’s candidate at George Washington University, emphasizes the weakening U.S. focus on the Pacific under President Trump, highlighted by reduced soft power and climate change neglect. This disengagement risks regional instability, opening opportunities for China, while urging a return to collaborative engagement to enhance security and partnerships in the Blue Pacific.
Sandeep Kandikuppa and Emihner Johnson focus on the food security challenges in the Federated States of Micronesia due to climate change and dependence on imported rice. Their research advocates for reviving traditional crops, which are more nutritious but face barriers to consumption. They explore solutions to enhance food policies and security.
Rhiannan Mundana, a climate specialist at Spatial Vision, writes about the collaboration with SkyEye Pacific to develop the MMEL decision support tool for Pacific Island nations. This open-source tool enhances access to climate change resources, facilitating effective planning and adaptation strategies. It aids users of all backgrounds in locating relevant climate information to bolster resilience efforts.
Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (IDRR) efforts in Fiji reveal critical gaps in addressing the needs of vulnerable communities. While progress has been made, significant improvements are necessary to ensure all members are included in disaster planning and response.
Vanuatu’s climate displacement strategy emphasizes integrating cultural systems and traditional knowledge. Empowering customary institutions is crucial for managing disaster-induced relocations.
The Pacific region, in unprecedented numbers, submitted to the International Court of Justice advisory opinion proceedings on climate change. This case has the highest number of state participation in the Court’s history. The inclusion of Pacific visions and voices to the world’s court will help ensure climate justice arguments are not overridden by those that wish to maintain the status quo.
Tuvalu has a brand new constitution and this article sums up the major reforms: the definition of statehood, charter of duties and responsibilities, and political and judicial reforms.