Increasing Climate Extension in the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center

Hawaiʻi and the United States Affiliated Pacific Islands face unique challenges in adapting to climate change due to geographic isolation, coastal hazards, close cultural and economic links natural resources, and underserved populations. To address these problems, the PI-CASC works to develop actionable research products through collaborative engagement with cultural and natural resource manager to ensure applicability of the research. In efforts to further support these co-production processes, the PI-CASC Management Climate Corps was developed to connect local natural resource managers, researchers, cultural practitioners, policy professionals, community leaders, and graduate students on Hawaiʻi Islands.



The PI-CASC Management Climate Corps builds adaptive capacity locally by identifying existing professional networks and expanding them through manager-driven research projects and collaborative forums. However, to date these activities have been focused on Hawai’i Island, although there is a need throughout the PI-CASC region. To address this need, the proposed work will further leverage cooperative outreach and engagement work by PI-CASC and Hawaiʻi Sea Grant. Hawaiʻi Sea Grant brings significant resources to the partnership with more than 20 extension specialists, greater than 50 years of experience in co-produced, actionable science and developed partnerships in the region.



This proposal will increase co-production of climate adaptation science and the provision of technical service and tools through climate extension activities. These include: 1) expand the PI-CASC Management Climate Corps to engage natural and cultural resource managers and students throughout the PI-CASC region; 2) Develop and coordinate partnership activities related to climate and land use change adaptation science in Hawai’i and the U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands; 3) Develop experiential programs responsive to stakeholder or PI-CASC needs, such as those that build ties between stakeholders, university, and/or agency resources; and 4) Develop educational materials and conduct training and workshops on climate and land use change adaptation issues for agencies, professionals and community stakeholders.