Research questions
The Pacific EcoAdapt research process was designed to address three key research questions. Answering these questions is fundamental to building our understanding of how climate change adaptation interventions can be designed to support ecosystem and community functionality, sustainability and resilience in Pacific Island nations.
1. What are the risks to Pacific Island communities and ecosystems from anthropogenic climate changeanthropogenic climate change Relatively rapid change in the global climate, oceans, and Earth system, brought on by an increase in greenhouse gases from human activity, in particular, the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture.?
Understanding the local processes and risks and how these are experienced at the local level is important to being able to effectively manage and plan for the future.
2. How do the differing social and economic contexts in the Pacific influence outcomes for ecosystems when selecting climate change adaptation responses?
Understanding the impacts and interactions of factors such as cultural norms and values, economic and financial structures, governance arrangements and how these support or impede community and ecosystem resilience outcomes.
3. What information and decision support is required by policy and decision-makers to adopt an ecosystem-based adaptation planning approach?
Understanding governance and decision-making processes and working collaboratively with agencies to co-design decision support tools will lead to more informed policy and decision-making for better outcomes on the ground.