The macro and micro-scale impacts of climate change in Pacific Island Countries and Territories

The Pacific Islands are exemplary locations for the Anthropocene: stronger tropical storms, coral bleaching, and catastrophic sea level rise are visceral images and realities of the climate crisis. However, these are merely the environmental and ecological impacts. Less attention has been given to the social and political consequences of climate change for Pacific Island Countries & Territories.

This seminar will set the stage for a conversation around the macro and micro impacts of climate change, namely the geopolitical games resulting from fisheries redistribution and the food security and nutrient supplies for island communities, and how these intersect with local, regional, and global conservation goals.

About the Speaker
Dr. Steven Mana‘oakamai Johnson (he/him/‘o ia) is a Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) scientist, born and raised on the island of Saipan, located in Micronesia. Currently, he is an assistant professor in Natural Resources and the Environment at Cornell University. His research questions are informed by his heritage and upbringing, focusing on the impacts of climate change, colonialism, and conservation on coastal communities, primarily in the Pacific Islands. He uses social, environmental, and climate data to develop equitable and cooperative solutions for coastal communities. This work is a direct practice of his kuleana (responsibility) to use his knowledge and skills to improve the social and environmental spaces he is a part of.

Host
Judith Reppy Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies