Climate change and Pacific islands : indicators and impacts : case studies from the 2012 Pacific Islands Regional Climate Assessment (PIRCA)

Abstract

This collection of case studies was developed by the Pacific Islands Regional Climate Assessment (PIRCA), and is part of Climate Change and Pacific Islands: Indicators and Impacts, which is being published as one of a series of technical inputs to the National Climate Assessment (NCA) 2013 report. These case studies illustrate current climate impacts and adaptations across the Pacific Islands region. Real-world examples of the implications of climate risks for Pacific Islanders are described in diverse sectors, including agriculture and food security, human health, environmental policy, coastal infrastructure, and native ecosystems. The case studies highlight how information about the changing climate can be used to support decision making. The PIRCA is a collaborative effort engaging federal, state, and local government agencies, non-government organizations, academia, businesses, and community groups to inform and prioritize their activities in the face of a changing climate.