1601 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96848 info@pacificrisa.org 808.944.7111

Projects

Header_resized_2The Pacific RISA emphasizes integrated research that addresses real-world problems. Our work includes the downscaling of climate projections for specific island locations. Unavailable to date, this is critical for island climate adaptation planning. Utilizing these projections, hydrological researchers will assess the sustainability of ground water resources in island settings. We will also assess the human dimensions of drought vulnerabilities in the region.

Fresh water is critical for all islands, and the Pacific is no exception. When climatic events affect water supply, then food security, livelihoods, and public health are also threatened. About half of the Federated States of Micronesia and 80% of the Marshall Islands are atolls, which peak at only a few feet above present sea level. Atoll water supplies are particularly sensitive to changes in rainfall and fluctuation in the water table. Surface water is limited, if it exists at all. Aquifers are small and fragile—threatened by increasing demand as well as salt-water intrusion. Even on the “high” volcanic islands like Guam and Hawaii there are considerable demands on water resources due to tourism, agriculture, and the US military presence. It is of utmost importance to address the adequacy and long-term stability of water resources for Pacific Islanders.

 

4 Comments on “Projects

    • Hi Elizabeth,
      We try to keep our publications list online and up to date – please check under the “resources” tab. You may also be interested in visiting pirca.com for additional information on climate change work in the Pacific Islands.

  1. Hello, I am the Project Coordinator for an organization called “RCD Foundation Inc” which is currently implementing a Climate Change related project known as *Community Land Degradation, Sustainability Forest Management and Conservation of a Sacred Forest site located in the Highlands region of Papua New Guinea.

    Therefore; we are really interested to know more about RISA and it’s ultimate purpose, aim and objective so that we be part of the RISA programs and together we can be hand in hand by addressing the global issue of climate change in the Pacific.

    Thank you.

    Johannes D Pook
    RCD Foundation Inc
    Papua New Guinea

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.