Loading...Climate Change and the Pacific Islands
Special Collection
Communities in the Pacific Islands are already feeling the impacts of sea level rise, extreme weather events, and other evidence of climate change. The media resources in this collection examine ecosystems on volcanic high islands and low-lying atolls and the climate-related threats to these ecosystems. They also highlight human activities that strengthen or weaken ecosystems, as well as actions that islanders are taking to reduce the threats they face and help preserve their future.
Major funding for this project is provided by the Directorate for Geosciences of the National Science Foundation. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1105819. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
| RESOURCE | GRADE LEVEL | MEDIA TYPE |
|---|---|---|
An Ancient Legend Teaches Climate Change AdaptationToday’s unsustainable use of natural resources is compared to the legend of the giant Uab, in this video adapted from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community. |
3-8 |
Video |
Climate Change Threatens Pacific ParadiseLearn how climate change has impacted food and freshwater resources on the Carteret Islands of Papua New Guinea, in these two videos adapted from UNU-IAS Traditional Knowledge Initiative and Pacific Black Box, Inc. |
6-12 |
Video |
Conserving a Unique Ecosystem in MicronesiaLearn about the steps that the people of Kosrae, Micronesia, are taking to protect their natural resources, in this video adapted from the Micronesia Conservation Trust. |
9-12 |
Video |
From Ridge to Reef: Adapting to a Changing ClimateExplore Pacific high island and atoll ecosystems, learn about the threats to island resources and residents, and discover how communities are preserving their future, in this interactive activity adapted from the Micronesia Conservation Trust. |
9-12 |
Interactive |
Micronesia's Changing ClimateDiscover what Pacific Island communities can do to reduce the impact of climate change, in these four videos adapted from the Micronesia Conservation Trust. |
9-12 |
Video |
Pacific Islands Benefit from Climate Change AdaptationsDiscover how island communities in Papua New Guinea are adapting to climate change, in these three videos from The Nature Conservancy. |
6-12 |
Video |
Resilience and Ecosystem Adaptation in a Changing Pacific ClimateIn this lesson plan, students explore Pacific Island ecosystems and the threats they face from human activities and climate change. They also learn how adaptation strategies can increase ecosystem resilience, and then engage in community-focused activities. |
7-12 |
Lesson Plan |
Restoring Wetlands in Hawai‘iLearn how Hawai‘i’s wetlands help reduce the effects of climate change, in this video from the Hawai‘i Nature Center. |
6-12 |
Video |
Sustainable Pacific Island WatershedsLearn about Pacific Island watersheds, some of the threats they face, and their relationship to freshwater and marine resources, in these videos adapted from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community. |
6-12 |
Video |
Sustaining Freshwater LensesLearn about the threats to freshwater lenses in the Marshall Islands, in this video adapted from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community. |
6-12 |
Video |
Sustaining Healthy Coral Reefs in MicronesiaLearn about the dual impact of land pollution and climate change on coral reefs, and the steps being taken by communities in Micronesia to protect them, in these two videos adapted from the Micronesia Conservation Trust. |
9-12 |
Video |
