ADVANCEMENT OF THE PRACTICE
Open Access
Climate Change in Hawaii and the United States- Affiliated Pacific Islands: A Call to Action for Environmental Public Health
Gina Bare, RN National Environmental Health Association Emma Erwin, MSc, MPH National Environmental Health Association David T. Dyjack, DrPH, CIH National Environmental Health Association
Abstract Hawaii and the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI) are facing a climate change crisis that threatens the health, safety, and well-being of Pacific Islander communities. This article provides an overview of the unique impacts of climate change on this often-overlooked region from an environmental public health perspective, as well as its vulnerabilities and resilience efforts. The article highlights the urgent need for action and the crucial role that environmental health professionals can play in partnering with Pacific Islander communities to build climate resilience. We conducted research and key informant interviews between September 2023 and June 2024, which provided valuable insights into the lived experiences and perspectives of local leaders, environmental health practitioners, and community members who are grappling with the effects of climate change. By bringing together scientific data, case studies, and perspectives from local leaders and storytellers, this article paints a holistic picture of the complex realities of climate change in Hawaii and the USAPI. This nuanced understanding is essential for informing effective, equitable, and culturally appropriate interventions to protect the health and well-being of Pacific Islander communities in the face of the climate crisis. Keywords: climate change, Pacific Islands, environmental health, community resilience, Indigenous perspectives, public health
the palm trees’ withering branches, laughing, leaving swirls of dust but not even a spatter of rain. “We have angered the spirits,” the old women warned. “For too long we have taken from the earth, taken from the sea and have given nothing in return. Our greed has angered the spirits. Now our island’s soil grows nothing; our lagoon is empty of fish.” Slowly a distant thunder filled the air. The sun seemed to grow in size and heat. As the rumbling sounds grew louder, the island began shaking, the Coastal Erosion: This haunting scene is a stark reminder of the ongoing battle between land and sea, where rising sea levels and intensifying storms due to climate change are accelerating coastal erosion and threatening fragile ecosystems and communities on Pacific Island nations.
Pacific Islander Traditional Story of Courage and Collaboration The Micronesian legend, “How the Women Saved Guam,” is based on a retelling found in three collections coauthored by Dr. Nancy Bo Flood and published by Bess Press in Hawaii: Marianas Island Legends , Micronesian Island Legends , and Pacific Island Legends .
Nothing was left to eat. Children cried from hunger. Their empty stomachs hurt, hurt, hurt as they chewed on coconut scraps and fish bones. The taro had stopped growing. Even the banana tree gave no fruit. The island was thirsty. Dry winds teased, rattling
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Volume 87 • Number 9
https://doi.org/10.70387/001c.137192
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