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About this episode

Chip Fletcher presenting. Hawaii sits at the center of our Earth's climate crossroads. Since voyaging to the islands over 1000 yeas ago, native Hawaiian culture has closely studied the flow of water, the patterns of waves and winds, the topography of the land, and the nature of our island climate. Using this knowledge, islanders adapted their use of the land and ocean to the perpetually changing conditions. However, climate challenges have shifted. Over the past half-century, unique data gathered in Hawaii at Mauna Loa Observatory have documented increasing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. Climate change impacts are widespread and now islanders are faced with a new set of climate challenges. The distinctive combination of cutting-edge science and traditional knowledge highlights the strength of solutions that Hawaii can bring to the uncertain future of small islands facing climate change. Toward the creation of those solutions, UH Sea Grant College's new Center for Island Climate Adaptation and Policy (ICAP) facilitates a sustainable, climate conscious future for Hawaii, the Pacific, and global island communities. The Center produces innovative, interdisciplinary research and real-world solutions to island decision-makers in the public and private sectors. As a focal point for University of Hawaii climate expertise, ICAP serves as a two-way conduit between the university and island communities to catalyze climate change adaptation and resiliency.

• Release Date

  Aug 4, 2009

• Runtime

  22:05