Causes of land loss in Tuvalu, a small island nation in the pacific

2005 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunting Xue
Keyword(s):  
Small Island ◽  
Land Loss ◽  
The Pacific

scholarly journals Human-caused Indo-Pacific warm pool expansion

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (7) ◽  
pp. e1501719 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evan Weller ◽  
Seung-Ki Min ◽  
Wenju Cai ◽  
Francis W. Zwiers ◽  
Yeon-Hee Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Model ◽  
Hydrological Cycle ◽  
Heat Content ◽  
Warm Pool ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Past Century ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Pacific Warm Pool ◽  
Basin Scale ◽  
Climate Model Simulations

The Indo-Pacific warm pool (IPWP) has warmed and grown substantially during the past century. The IPWP is Earth’s largest region of warm sea surface temperatures (SSTs), has the highest rainfall, and is fundamental to global atmospheric circulation and hydrological cycle. The region has also experienced the world’s highest rates of sea-level rise in recent decades, indicating large increases in ocean heat content and leading to substantial impacts on small island states in the region. Previous studies have considered mechanisms for the basin-scale ocean warming, but not the causes of the observed IPWP expansion, where expansion in the Indian Ocean has far exceeded that in the Pacific Ocean. We identify human and natural contributions to the observed IPWP changes since the 1950s by comparing observations with climate model simulations using an optimal fingerprinting technique. Greenhouse gas forcing is found to be the dominant cause of the observed increases in IPWP intensity and size, whereas natural fluctuations associated with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation have played a smaller yet significant role. Further, we show that the shape and impact of human-induced IPWP growth could be asymmetric between the Indian and Pacific basins, the causes of which remain uncertain. Human-induced changes in the IPWP have important implications for understanding and projecting related changes in monsoonal rainfall, and frequency or intensity of tropical storms, which have profound socioeconomic consequences.

scholarly journals Pacific Regionalism: Historical Anachronism, or Pathway to Future Development?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Elspeth Davidson
Keyword(s):  
Pacific Islands ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Positive Development ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Pacific Island ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Pacific People ◽  
Island States ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Regional Organisations

<p>This study looks at the relevance of regional organisations in the Pacific Island region. It analyses the history of the key regional organisations: the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS). Since their establishment, there has been extensive criticism of the work of these organisations. This study tests and analyses the issue of legitimacy within supra-national organisations, and questions whether regionalism in the Pacific is an anachronism of the past.  In the Pacific, regionalism puts out a compelling argument for its existence. Throughout the region, small island developing states are spread across the world’s largest ocean. Pacific Island states face many challenges, including: small economies, geographical disadvantages, vulnerability to climate change, varying availability to resources and a diverse range of cultures and languages. Regionalism provides a chance for these island states to influence world policy, build capacity in the region, promote good governance, maintain peaceful neighbourly relations, and create positive development outcomes.  The methodology uses qualitative research of document analysis and semi-structured interviews with key informants. The research claims a social constructivist epistemology and uses an inductive conceptual framework in order to find solutions to the complex challenges of Pacific regionalism.  It was found that regional organisations need to increase their transparency in order to enhance their legitimacy. They need provide a clearer evidence base, where all Pacific people can recognise and understand the benefit of regional organisations. The organisations need to work strategically to be nimble and reactive to upcoming critical junctures and issues. Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP) agencies need to coordinate better amongst themselves, open up communication with all stakeholders and create clearer mandates. In order to promote positive development, all stakeholders and Pacific people need to take ownership of these organisations, and support the Framework for Pacific Regionalism process. This study argues that there is great potential for regionalism in the Pacific, but this will only be possible if the region works collectively to enhance the legitimacy of these organisations.</p>

Healthy Islands

2018 ◽  
pp. 285-290
Author(s):  
Evelyne de Leeuw ◽  
Erik Martin ◽  
Temo Waqanivalu
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Control ◽  
Population Health ◽  
Pacific Islands ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Small States ◽  
Small Island Developing States ◽  
Development Agenda ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Settings Approach ◽  
Health And Development

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) form a special setting where nature and (population) health become intimately connected. This chapter outlines the nature of such small states, their development and health challenges, and a common health solution that has been advanced in the Pacific. The Yanuca Declaration established a Healthy Island programme in 1995. It is a specific example of a ‘healthy settings’ approach (Nutbeam, 1996). Healthy Islands form an integrated element of the Pacific development agenda and explicitly pursue a comprehensive agenda at the interface of nature, health, and development. Examples of this agenda are provided in two case studies. First, the WHO-led ‘Healthy Island Recognition’ programme, and second, the commitments among Pacific islands to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Adaptation to Climate Change in Small Island Developing States: A Systematic Literature Review of Academic Research

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carola Klöck ◽  
Patrick D. Nunn
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Small Island Developing States ◽  
Adaptation To Climate Change ◽  
Island States ◽  
Vulnerability To Climate Change ◽  
The Pacific

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) share a common vulnerability to climate change. Adaptation to climate change and variability is urgently needed yet, while some is already occurring in SIDS, research on the nature and efficacy of adaptation across SIDS is fragmentary. In this article, we systematically review academic literature to identify where adaptation in SIDS is documented; what type of adaptation strategies are taken, and in response to which climate change impacts; and the extent to which this adaptation has been judged as successful. Our analysis indicates that much adaptation research is concentrated on the Pacific, on independent island states, and on core areas within SIDS. Research documents a wide array of adaptation strategies across SIDS, notably structural or physical and behavioral changes. Yet, evaluation of concrete adaptation interventions is lacking; it thus remains unclear to what extent documented adaptation effectively and sustainably reduces SIDS’ vulnerability and increases their resilience.

Hybrid organisations contributing to wellbeing in Small Pacific Island Countries

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 490-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Douglas ◽  
Buriata Eti-Tofinga ◽  
Gurmeet Singh
Keyword(s):  
Common Good ◽  
Alternative Pathway ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Pacific Region ◽  
Pacific Island ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Philosophical Foundations ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Pacific Island Countries ◽  
Hybrid Organisations

Purpose This paper aims to examine the contributions of hybrid organisations to wellbeing in small Pacific island countries. Design/methodology/approach The concept and different forms of hybrid organisations are examined, and then the operation and contributions to wellbeing of three Fijian hybrid organisations are considered. Findings Hybrid organisations in this region operate with a commitment to the common good and an ethic of care. Fijian hybrid organisations improve social and economic wellbeing for individuals, families and communities by providing employment, schools and training facilities, financial and support services, sustainable agriculture projects and facilitating networking. These services improve individual and community social and economic wellbeing, build resilience, add to personal and family security, offer opportunities for the future, advance leadership skills and sustain the environment. Commercial activities that support these organisations in their wellbeing endeavours include product sales, service fees, project levies and investment income. Research limitations/implications Generalisability beyond the Pacific region is not assured, as this review only examines hybrid organisations in small Pacific island countries. Practical implications Hybrid organisations offer an alternative pathway to achieve a sustainable enterprise economy, an approach that is more culturally relevant for the Pacific region. Policies to nurture the development of these organisations, and research into the startup, operation, impact and effectiveness of different hybrid organisation models would help to improve wellbeing in this region. International charities and aid agencies could advance the wellbeing of people living in this region by supporting the development of hybrid organisations. External agencies seeking to support hybrid organisation development are advised to consider providing funding through a regional agency rather than engaging directly with national governments. Social implications Developing a robust hybrid organisation sector will improve social and economic wellbeing for people living in small island nations. Originality/value As one of the first studies to examine wellbeing and hybrid organisations, this review adds to hybrid business theory by its consideration of small Pacific island countries. The authors add to existing understandings of how hybrid organisations contribute to social and economic wellbeing for individuals, families and communities. The review identifies each form hybrid organisational form adopts. Each has a central commitment to generating social and economic value but different revenue sources. The review adds valuable new knowledge to the limited scholarship of this region by identifying the philosophical foundations and contributions to wellbeing of these hybrid organisations. A future research agenda and policy development process is proposed to improve wellbeing and advance hybrid organisations in the region.

An invasive ant distribution database to support biosecurity risk analysis in the Pacific

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica A. M. Gruber ◽  
Meghan Cooling ◽  
Allan R. Burne
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Risk Analysis ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Invasive Ants ◽  
Invasive Ant ◽  
Conflicting Information ◽  
The Pacific

Invasive species are one of the most serious threats to biodiversity. Up-to-date and accurate information on the distribution of invasive species is an important biosecurity risk analysis tool. Several databases are available to determine the distributions of invasive and native species. However, keeping this information current is a real challenge. Ants are among the most widespread invasive species. Five species of ants are listed in the IUCN list of damaging invasive species, and many other species are also invasive in the Pacific. We sought to determine and update the distribution information for the 18 most problematic invasive ant species in the Pacific to assist Small Island Developing States with risk analysis. We compared the information on six public databases, conducted a literature review, and contacted experts on invasive ants in the Pacific region to resolve conflicting information. While most public records were accurate we found some new records had not yet been incorporated in the public databases, and some information was inaccurate. The maintenance of public databases faces an enormous challenge in balancing completeness (~15 000 ant species in this case) with accuracy (the impossibility of constantly surveying) and utility.

scholarly journals Proposing a Framework to Extend the Global Commodity Chain Theory: A Case Based Study with Evidence from Garment Supply Chain

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 34
Author(s):  
Anand Chand
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Management Theory ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Commodity Chain ◽  
Economic Policies ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Global Commodity Chains ◽  
The Pacific

The traditional Supply Chain Management Theory has been around for few decades. In addition, between 1994 and 2000, another theory by the name of the ‘Global Commodity Chain’ (GCC) theory was developed by Gary Gereffi from North Carolina University (USA) which is more broader than the Supply Chain Management Theory. The aim of this paper is to revisit and critically examine Gereffi’s (1994) GCC theory and attempt to expand its analytical framework from the perspective of a small island country in the Pacific. The research findings highlight some of the limitations which GCC theory and suggest that a full understanding of global commodity chains needs to be reframed and embedded in the context of a country’s national social, economic and political environment. The paper argues that GCC theory need to incorporate variables such a as of ‘national economic policies’, ‘role of state’ and ‘labor’ in order to fully account for the complexity of modern supply chains. The paper concludes by arguing that the GCC theory is limited in explaining the true picture in developing small island countries. The paper contributes literature on GCC theory.

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