Pacific Island Nations

This educational animated video, produced by the United Nations and the Australia Pacific Climate Partnership, explains how combating climate change must be a socially equitable process. While climate collapse will affect everyone in the Pacific community, women and historically underserved people will feel it most profoundly. The Pacific Island nations experience a high level of climate vulnerability making the focus on resilient communities essential. For example, disaster resilience in rural Pacific areas means being proactive and ensuring that everyone has the autonomy to be able to produce and store excess food crops. Further, when all farmers, including women and minorities, have access to loans, equipment and climate information, they will be more productive and adaptive. Taking into consideration disability, age, gender and other factors of vulnerability in the design phase and decision phase is critical. The video emphasizes that “helping communities become less vulnerable to climate change means listening to everyone, designing for multiple purposes, budgeting for inclusion, and empowering local solutions.” These steps reinforce the foundation that communities are safer and more resilient when all members of the community are invested, consulted and involved in change and adaptation processes.