A Comparison Between Alternative Relocation Options for the Pacific Islands Based on a Human-Centred Approach

Abstract

Extreme weather conditions, rising sea levels, and floods will make many low-lying Pacific Islands uninhabitable by 2050. Frequent floods affect food production and freshwater availability, enhance shoreline erosion, and cause the destruction of the coastal infrastructure. Current adaptation strategies require a considerable amount of funds, materials, technological, and human resources. As a result, researchers argue that local adaptation strategies will continue for the next years, but relocation will be proved to be the most effective solution. Based on the argument above, this research paper is analysing the criteria for efficient relocation based on a human-centred approach and specifically on the notion of islandness. Following, it is comparing alternative relocation options for the Pacific Islands, as per the relocation criteria and the land availability. The analyses showed that the distance from the land of origin is critical for the efficiency of the relocation. The further the distance, the less effective the relocation will be.