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Media

For additional information about Pacific RISA and its research, members of the media may contact Krista Jaspers at Krista.Jaspers@asu.edu.

Pacific RISA in the Media:

2023

Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5) Coverage
The Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5) was released on November 14, 2023.  PI Frazier was Chapter Lead for the Hawaii and US-Affiliated Pacific Islands chapter, and PI Grecni, PI Shuler, PI Oleson, and PI Keener were all authors on the chapter, which received extensive local coverage.

Honolulu Civil Beat, “National Climate Report Lands As Hawaii Grapples With Wildfire Threat
Hawaiʻi Public Radio (audio), “Climate researcher outlines findings and solutions from national report” (Frazier)
Hawaiʻi Public Radio (audio), “National report features Indigenous climate change data from local researchers
Honolulu Star Advertiser, “Climate change report highlights health impacts, Hawaii’s wildfire risks” additional article text link here.
ClarkNOW, “Clark professor leads chapter of Fifth National Climate Assessment, joins peers at White House unveiling” (Frazier)
Radio Worcester (audio), “Clark Professor Contributes To Fifth National Climate Assessment” (Frazier)
East-West Center News Release, “Pacific Confronting Growing Climate Change Impacts, Official US Assessment Finds
University of Hawai‘i News, “Climate actions centered on Indigenous knowledge can improve resilience
Arizona State University News, “US experiencing climate change now, latest National Climate Assessment shows
KITV Island News, “Climate actions centered on Indigenous knowledge can improve resilience, according to report
KITV Island News, Good Morning Hawaii,Study: Metrics demonstrate climate change is happening at a faster pace” (Oleson)
Hawaii Tribune Herald, “National report underscores climate threat to Hawaii, the rest of the nation
Grist, “How does climate change threaten where you live? A region-by-region guide.
Inside Climate News, “US Regions Will Suffer a Stunning Variety of Climate-Caused Disasters, Report Finds
AP News, “Worsening warming is hurting people in all regions, US climate assessment shows
Bloomberg, “UN Drought Report Highlights ‘Silent’ Threat to Warming Planet” (Frazier)
NCA5 companion podcast, episode 3: “Road Trip!” (audio):  https://www.globalchange.gov/resources/nca5-companion-podcast-road-trip (Frazier)

2023 Maui Fires Coverage 
Los Angeles Times, Chaos and Terror: Failed Communications Left Maui Residents Trapped by Fire. Scores Died.
New York Times, “How Climate Change Turned Lush Hawaii Into a Tinderbox
CNN, These factors are making it hard to combat the deadly Maui wildfires
CNN, Anderson Cooper 360 (video), “Records show Hawaii underestimated the deadly threat of wildfires
CNN, “Hawaii underestimated the deadly threat of wildfire, records show
Washington Post, “Maui fires not just due to climate change but a ‘compound disaster’
LA Times, “How a perfect storm of climate and weather led to catastrophic Maui fire
Grist, “Wildfires just destroyed a Maui town. Next year could be worse.
ClarkNOW, “‘There’s likely a climate change signal in everything we see’
Global News, Canada (video), “Maui wildfires: How Maui was caught off guard by catastrophic wildfires
Nature News, “Hawaii wildfires: did scientists expect Maui to burn?
NBC10 Boston News, “Maui wildfires: Mass. sending 2 emergency responders to help in Hawaii
BBC Radio interview with Dr. Abby Frazier (audio unavailable)
BBC World Service interview with Dr. Abby Frazier
Spectrum News 1 (San Fernando Valley) (video), Your Morning (Host Giselle Fernandez)
Vox, Today Explained (podcast), https://open.spotify.com/episode/7L6PDNan8nKltjPDZFGuPJ?si=e5db532f6da14e66
ABC News, “Why climate change can’t be blamed entirely for the Maui wildfires
Honolulu Civil Beat, “It Will Be Years Before Clean Water Is Restored In Lahaina” (Shuler)
Honolulu Civil Beat, “Heavy Rain Washed Fire-Related Contaminants Into The Ocean Off Lahaina. How Bad Is It?” (Shuler)

How a looming El Niño could fuel the spread of infectious disease
By Zoya Teirstein, April 24, 2023
Grist

Hawaii Climate Experts Highlight Positive Points In An Otherwise Dire International Report
By Paula Dobbyn, March 24, 2023
Honolulu Civil Beat

 “We’re survivors:” Marshall Islands leaders look to Hawaii for adapting to climate change crisis
By Annalisa Burgos, March 10, 2023
Hawaii News Now

In the Face of Climate Change, the Pacific Leads Boldly
By Jon Letman, March 1, 2023
The Diplomat

2023 Hawaii Climate Week coverage
Climate Action Day to explore urgent issues in Hawaii
Hawaii speaks on importance of climate change action
Hawaii marks ‘Climate Week’ amid extreme weather events around the world
News release: Governor Green Sets Course for Hawaiʻi Climate Leadership
Gov. Green pledges $100 million of Hawaiʻi’s surplus budget to fight climate change
Climate Action Week Update from Governor Josh Green (video)

2022

Bridging the Gap: Why this Climate Scientist Seeks Solutions Outside the Lab
By Ku’u Kauanoe, December 15, 2022
Honolulu Civil Beat

Ola I Ka Wai: Water Is Life
By Robbie Dingeman | Photos by Aaron K. Yoshino, September 2022
Honolulu Magazine

Rising seas predicted to impact infrastructure
By John O’Connor, September 3, 2022
Guam Daily Post

Pacific Climate leaders caution media against ‘drowning Islands’ narrative
East-West Center, July 12, 2022

Climate change and the future of the United States-Marshall Islands relationship
By Dr. Laura Brewington, June 9, 2022
Asia and the Pacific Policy Society

Pacific Island Nations Want More Renewable Power. Climate Financing May Help
By Thomas Heaton, May 11, 2022
Honolulu Civil Beat

2021

ASU receives $6.36M grant to launch Pacific Island research center
September 30, 2021
Arizona State University News

$6.36M supports Pacific climate change resilience
September 30, 2021
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Congress discusses energy needs, climate change in territories (NRC Dems hearing/quotes Austin Shelton)
By Steve Limtiaco, March 9, 2021
Pacific Daily News

U.S. Territories May Receive Federal Aid for Climate Change in a New Bill
By Gabrielle Bye, March 5, 2021
Colorado Times Reporter

Discussion on the Insular Area Climate Change Act (Features Zena Grecni’s witness testimony)
The House Committee on Natural Resources, March 4, 2021

2020

Guam faces host of issues due to climate change
November 11, 2020
Pacific Daily News

Report: Climate change will disrupt Guamanians’ lives
Guam Daily Post Staff, November 11, 2020
The Guam Daily Post

Palau faces stronger storms, hotter weather, and threats to ecosystems, says new climate change report
Prevention Web

How Efforts To Save Hawaii’s Forests Are Preventing A ‘Freshwater Crisis’
By Claire Caulfield, September 8, 2020
Honolulu Civil Beat (Print)

What Has The Pandemic Taught Us About Climate Change?
By Claire Caulfield, September 7, 2020
Honolulu Civil Beat (Podcast)

Regional Security Impacts of environmental change (with Laura Brewington)
Think Tech Hawaii, East West Center Insights, May 27, 2020 (Webcast)

2019

To prepare for a future with stronger hurricanes, Hawaii can learn from others — and itself
By Melanie Yamaguchi, December 16, 2019
Hawaii News Now (Broadcast/Print)

Town hall forum highlights regional climate data
University of Guam, October 31, 2019 (Print)

Climate change workshop presents tough outlook for Guam
By Lannie Walker, October 30, 2019
Guam Daily Post (Print)

Guam sees a rise in hotter days and sea levels due to climate change
By Anumita Kaur, October 29. 2019
Pacific Daily News (Print)

Climate change commission holds meeting
By Amanda Dedicatoria, October 29, 2019
Pacific News Center (Broadcast)

UOG Town Hall highlights climate data from recent regional assessments
Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center (PICASC) News

Change is afoot
By Jessica Else, March 9, 2019
The Garden Island (Print)

2018

Study Examines Migration Patterns In Pacific Islands (with Laura Brewington)
By Catherine Cruz, December 10, 2018
Hawaii Public Radio (audio)

East-West Center awarded $477K to study climate, health and migration in Pacific Islands
University of Hawaii News, October 26, 2018 – The East-West Center received $477,079 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for the International Research and Applications Project, designed to support international, decision-based research on climate-sensitive health risks in partnership with the Pacific RISA program.

Media Coverage from NCA4 – Hawai‘i and Pacific Islands Chapter

“Climate change: Time to walk the talk”
December 2, 2018, Honolulu Star Advertiser (op-ed)

“On Politics: Climate-change research is call to action for government officials on all levels” December 2, 2018, Honolulu Star Advertiser (op-ed)

“Climate change: Redraw policies to adapt”
December 1, 2018, Honolulu Star Advertiser (Victoria Keener op-ed)

“Estimated $19B damage to Hawai‘i by 2100, U.S. National Climate Assessment”
November 28, 2018, University of Hawai‘i System News (Press Release)

“In Wake of Climate Report, Honolulu Plans to Adapt”
November 27, 2018, Hawai‘i Public Radio (features comments by Victoria Keener)

“Local Response to National Climate Change Report”
November 27, 2018, The Conversation (Hawai‘i Public Radio)

“Threat to Pacific from climate change more severe – US report”
November 26, 2018, Dateline Pacific, Radio New Zealand

“Honolulu Mayor: ‘No More Important Issue’ Than Climate Change”
November 26, 2018, Honolulu Civil Beat (features NCA4 and photo of Victoria Keener with Mayor Caldwell)

“New climate change report not good for Hawaii”
November 25, 2018, KHON2 (features interview with Victoria Keener)

“Threats from climate change increasing substantially”
November 25, 2018 , Radio New Zealand Pacific (features interview with Zena Grecni)

“Climate report paints dire picture for Hawaii”
November 24, 2018, Honolulu Star Advertiser (PDF of article saved) (quotes Victoria Keener)

“On the edge of change”
November 24, 2018, The Garden Isle (quotes Victoria Keener)

New federal climate report: Hawaii impacts severe and already here
November 23, 2018, Raising Islands (Hawai‘i science and environment blog) (quotes from Victoria Keener and Zena Grecni)

“US Climate Report Warns of Worsening Weather Disasters”
November 23, 2018, Honolulu Civil Beat (quotes Victoria Keener)

“East-West Center researchers see impacts of climate change in Hawaii”
November 23, 2018, KHON2 (features interview with Victoria Keener)

2017
2016

Trickle Up and Trickle Down – Victoria Keener, PhD (Pacific RISA program)
Think Tech Hawaii, January 19, 2016 (webcast)

2015
2014

On May 6, 2014, the East-West Center’s Pacific RISA program hosted a briefing for the Pacific Islands Region of the 3rd National Climate Assessment.  Moderated by Dr. Victoria Keener, the event featured an introduction by William Aila, the director of the state Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, as well as a panel of local experts who contributed to the NCA report.  The briefing was well attended by local media, including 3 local news stations that featured the event on the evening news.

KHON 2 coverage of the 3rd NCA, “Key climate report findings for Hawaii, Pacific”

Hawaii News Now coverage of the the 3rd NCA, “Major Concerns Over Hawaii’s Climate Change”

KITV 4 New coverage of the 3rd National Climate Assessment briefing, “Scientists say Hawaii’s climate getting warmer” (interview with Dr. Victoria Keener)

Isles are gradually drying up, a new assessment warns” – Honolulu Star Advertiser, May 7, 2014.   This article covers the release of the 3rd NCA and summarizes the effects of climate change in Hawaii.  Pacific RISA Fellow and Lead Investigator Dr. Victoria Keener, who moderated the discussion on the NCA report at the East West Center, is quoted on how adaptation action needs to be taken now to mitigate potential future effects of climate change.

As U.S. Climate Changes, White House Embraces the Science Like Never Before” –  May 6, 2014.  Science Magazine (sciencemag.org) wrap up of the 3rd National Climate Assessment, and how the White House is enthusiastically endorsing and publicizing the report.  Dr. Victoria Keener is quoted and the article mentions the 2012 PIRCA and the East West Center’s contribution to the NCA report.

What Climate Change Means to Hawaii” – MidWeek, April 2, 2014.  This article discusses how the Pacific Islands Climate Change Cooperative (PICCC) is addressing climate change issues in Hawaii.  Dr. Victoria Keener and NOAA Regional Climate Services Director Dr. John Marra are quoted regarding translating climate science for decision makers and blending technical knowledge with experiential knowledge in Hawaii to better adapt to future climate conditions.

Living with Climate Change” –Maui No Ka Oi Magazine, March/April 2014. Surveys by the University of Hawaii show that 78% of Maui’s beaches are eroding. This article discusses how sea level rise has affected coastal development and how the changing climate will affect Maui’s reefs, seabirds, and other native flora and fauna.  Dr. Victoria Keener, East-West Center Fellow, is quoted about using community engagement to develop future scenarios for Maui’s water supply and to inform decision making.

2013

The KTUH News Show.  The University of Hawai‘i radio station (KTUH),  April 12, 2013.  Research Fellow Dr. Kati Corlew gave a radio interview about her community-based research in Tuvalu and about climate change in Hawai‘i. The show is broadcast live on 90.3 FM Honolulu and online.

VIDEO: Does More Need To Be Done About Climate Change in Hawaii?” Honolulu Civil Beat, April 2, 2013.  In an interview with Honolulu Civil Beat reporter Joe Rubin, NOAA Regional Climate Services Director Dr. John Marra shares his perspective on sea-level rise in Hawai‘i, global climate change, and the need for Hawai‘i to “climate proof” its policies and infrastructure.

Psychology of Climate Change: Social Instability” Community Psychology Practice: Blog of the Community Psychology Practice Council.  March 26, 2013.   Pacific RISA Research Fellow Dr. Kati Corlew wrote about the destabilizing effects of climate change and the implications for security in this blog article.  Dr. Corlew is a periodic contributor to Community Psychology Practice.

“Insights: Climate Change” on PBS Hawaii – February 14, 2013. Pacific RISA Program Manager and East-West Center Research Fellow Dr. Victoria Keener was a guest on the PBS Hawaii weekly program “Insights” with host Dan Boylan.  The February 14 show focused on climate change, and Dr. Keener was joined on the program by William Aila, Director of the Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources; Mr. Stanton Enomoto, Cultural Adaption Coordinator at the Pacific Islands Climate Change Cooperative; and Dr. Charles Fletcher, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Geology and Geophysics at UH Manoa.

“Isle events explore moral aspects of climate change” – Honolulu Star-Advertiser, February 9, 2013.  This article announces a series of lectures on the moral dimensions of climate change, including a talk titled “Climate Change Justice, Faith, and Action,” by Pacific RISA Research Fellow Dr. Kati Corlew, delivered at Church of the Crossroads in Honolulu on Sunday, February 10, 2013. Download PDF

“Hawaii may feel stronger climate change impacts” – ClimateWire, January 7, 2013.  Drawing on findings in the 2012 PIRCA report, ClimateWire reports on Hawaii climate change impacts and recent government measures to promote adaptation.  PIRCA Lead Editor, Dr. Victoria Keener, is quoted on the potential impacts on  availability of fresh water in the islands. Download PDF

“Group urges Obama to act on climate change” – Honolulu Star-Advertiser, January 5, 2013.  The article describes efforts by the League of Women Voters to urge President Obama to take action to address climate change, including their ad that ran in the Star-Advertiser on the same day. Both the article and the ad reference findings of the 2012 PIRCA report. Download PDF

“Climate Change in Hawaii: It’s Here” – Honolulu Weekly, January 2, 2013. The cover story in the January 2nd issue of the Honolulu Weekly highlighted the PIRCA report and Forum and featured Pacific RISA and PIRCA researcher perspectives, quoting Dr. John Marra, Dr. Victoria Keener, Ms. Deanna Spooner, Dr. Melissa Finucane, and Mr. Richard Wallsgrove.

2012

“East-West Center gets grants to track climate information” – Honolulu Star-Advertiser, December 26, 2012. An article announced grants from NOAA and the Pacific Islands Climate Science Center for research into the spread of climate information across different sectors and communities in the Pacific Islands region.  Awarded to the East-West Center, the funding will support the work of Principal Investigator Dr. Victoria Keener and Post-Doctoral Fellow Dr. Kati Corlew. Download PDF

KHON News at 5, December 10, 2012. Reporters from Hawai‘i ’s TV news channel KHON interviewed Dr. Victoria Keener, Pacific RISA Program Manager and Research Fellow at the East-West Center, as well as Ms. Deanna Spooner, Coordinator of the Pacific Islands Climate Change Cooperative (PICCC), and Mr. Stanton Enomoto, PICCC’s Cultural Adaptation Coordinator at the Dec. 10 Pacific Islands Regional Climate Forum at the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawai‘i.

“Climate-change scientists predict sea to rise 1 foot by 2050″ – Honolulu Star-Advertiser, December 10, 2012.  This article featured findings from the 2012 PIRCA report and quoted PIRCA co-editors Dr. John Marra and Dr. Victoria KeenerDownload PDF

“Climate change is real threat to Hawaii” – Honolulu Star-Advertiser (Op/Ed), by Melissa Finucane, December 9, 2012.  Download PDF

“Natural Forces: Hawai‘i’s mountains and ocean create a unique paradise” Alaska Airlines Magazine, August 2012. Dr. Kevin Hamilton is quoted in this article, discussing the unique climate of the Hawaiian Islands and his research modeling future climate change at the International Pacific Research Center. Download PDF

Hawaii Public Radio, “The Conversation,” April 25 2012. “Can you weather a white paper on climate change?” Richard Wallsgrove is an affiliate attorney at ICAP – the Center for Island Climate Adaptation & Policy at the University of Hawai’i. He works on climate-adaptive tools for managing water resources in Hawai’i. ICAP plans to convene stakeholder workshops to present its findings, get feedback, and identify next steps to implement its plan.

2011

PBS Insights Dec. 15 2011: Climate Change. Pacific RISA collaborators John Marra, Climate Services Director for the Pacific Region, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Deanna Spooner, Coordinator, Pacific Islands Climate Change Cooperative; and Maxine Burkett, Director, Center for Island Climate Adaptation and Policy, discuss climate change and its impact on Hawaii and its Pacific Island neighbors with PBS Insights host Dan Boylan. More information about PBS Insights can be found at the program’s website.

Hawai’i Public Radio, “The Conversation,” July 6 2011. Pacific RISA Principal Investigator Dr. Melissa Finucane is interviewed about human judgment and decision processes and their implications for public policy making.

Climate Matters video “documoments” are 2-3 minute videos produced by Pacific RISA, that convey stories of climate impacts on Pacific Islands. For more information and to watch the videos, see the Climate Matters Documoments page.

Header image: Melissa Finucane and the production team preparing for filming of the “Climate Matters for Waikiki” documoment. (Source: Victoria Keener)

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