The Pacific Research on Island Solutions for Adaptation (Pacific RISA) NOAA CAP team supports Pacific island and coastal communities in adapting to the impacts of climate variability and change. We strive to enhance Pacific communities’ abilities to understand, plan for, and respond to changing climate conditions. Our work is conducted through interdisciplinary research and partnerships with local, national, and regional stakeholders. As one of 12 CAP programs, Pacific RISA emphasizes the engagement of communities, governments, and businesses in developing effective policies to build resilience in key sectors such as water resource management, coastal and marine resources, fisheries, agriculture, tourism, disaster management and public health.

Mission Objectives

The Pacific RISA mission includes the following objectives:

• Meet critical climate information needs in the Pacific Islands region through multidisciplinary climate research, assessment, education, and training;
• Provide integrated, locally relevant climate information to decision makers and communities in the Pacific Islands region;
• Enhance regional and local capabilities to manage climate risks, build resilience in key sectors, and support sustainable development;
• Promote collaboration among Pacific regional, US national, and international institutions and programs providing climate information products and services.

Vision

Resilient and sustainable Pacific Island communities using climate information to manage risks and support practical decision-making about climate variability and change.

The Core Office of the Pacific RISA program is led by the ASU Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation (GIOSI), in partnership with and located at the East-West Center, and researchers from the University of Hawai‘i International Pacific Research Center, Water Resources Research Center, Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Richardson School of Law, Sea Level Center, and with collaborators at the USGS-Pacific Islands Water Science Center, the University of Guam, and the Micronesia Conservation Trust.