Facing physical and ecological threats, Pacific Island experts are demanding their experience, and history is better understood to inform local and global climate action.
Releasing a research report by 100 scholars, Professor Steven Ratuva said “Pacific ways of knowing and doing” could cut through the politics and economics that usually prevailed at climate negotiations.
“We’re not going anywhere, we’re staying right here,” Prof Ratuva said, rejecting past theories about “islands of despair”.
The Voices of the Pacific: Climate Crisis, Adaptation and Resilience report by the largest group of Pacific experts ever assembled explains their diverse responses to climate change are grounded in deep connections to land, ocean and environmental stewardship.
One of 100 authors and manager of the research project, Hilda Sakiti-Waqa, said the report would allow a “louder voice” from the Pacific community on a global stage.