Curiosity Weekly: Climate Change in the Pacific Islands Release Date: May 14, 2025

Hosted by Dr. Samantha Yamin

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Curiosity Weekly, host Dr. Samantha Yamin delves into the pressing issue of climate change in the Pacific Islands, highlighting the disproportionate impact on these communities despite their minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Dr. Yamin emphasizes the resilience and innovative responses of Pacific Islander communities to the climate crisis. The episode also explores groundbreaking advancements in renewable energy technology, such as artificial photosynthesis.

Celebrating Pacific Islander Scientific Contributions

Dr. Yamin begins by celebrating the significant scientific and technological achievements of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. She introduces several pioneering figures who have made lasting impacts in their respective fields:

• Dr. Fay del Mundo: A renowned pediatrician from Manila who established the first pediatrics hospital in the Philippines. Dr. del Mundo's compassionate approach and integration of traditional Filipino healing practices with modern medicine are highlighted as exemplary contributions. Dr. Steven Manaoakamai Johnson remarks at [02:30]:

  "She was bringing high level pediatric care to places where that's difficult to do, especially where there isn't electricity."

• Nainoa Thompson: A native Hawaiian navigator reviving ancient ocean navigation techniques using a star compass, demonstrating the blend of traditional knowledge with modern resilience strategies.

• Dr. David T. Wong: A Hong Kong-born neuroscientist whose research on serotonin laid the foundation for the development of Prozac, the first widely used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Johnson notes at [06:20]:

  "His early work was studying how serotonin is processed in the brain and how it's taken up in the spaces between brain cells."

• Dr. Flossy Wong Stahl: A virologist and molecular biologist whose groundbreaking work in cloning HIV genes significantly advanced the understanding and treatment of AIDS. She is credited with being instrumental in the development of HIV diagnostics and antiretroviral therapies.

The Fragile Ecosystems of the Pacific Islands

Dr. Yamin transitions to the core topic, emphasizing the vulnerability of Pacific Island ecosystems. Despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, these islands face severe consequences from rising sea levels and coral bleaching, which threaten both biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities.

Guest Insights with Dr. Steven Manaoakamai Johnson

Dr. Steven Manaoakamai Johnson, an assistant professor at Cornell University specializing in natural resources and environmental studies, joins the discussion to provide an in-depth perspective on the socio-ecological impacts of climate change in the Pacific Islands.

Impact on Daily Life: Johnson discusses how climate change exacerbates daily challenges for island residents, particularly through events like mass coral bleaching and intensified tropical storms. At [09:24], he explains:

"About a decade ago, Saipan had its first severe mass coral bleaching event, where in some parts of the island, we lost up to 75% of our corals."

These environmental changes disrupt fisheries, cultural practices, and overall community resilience. Tropical storms have become more intense and frequent, transforming what were once manageable "banana tree storms" into devastating category-five typhoons within hours.

Socio-Ecological Systems and Relationality: Johnson introduces the concept of relationality, fundamental to Pacific Islander cultures, which views humans and the natural world as interconnected and interdependent. He shares the Hawaiian creation story, the Kumulipo, to illustrate this deep-seated relationship:

"Humans and the more than human entities that we share our space with on this planet are not different. In fact, we're one in the same."

This perspective shapes how communities understand and respond to environmental changes, emphasizing a familial responsibility to protect and adapt to their surroundings.

Community-Driven Conservation: Johnson advocates for community-driven conservation as a more effective and sustainable approach compared to top-down policies. He highlights the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research to enhance climate resilience. For instance, in Hawaii, there are numerous specific terms for rain, each tied to particular cultural practices and environmental observations, showcasing a nuanced understanding of local climate patterns that global models often overlook.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): The discussion shifts to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), their establishment, and the challenges they face. Johnson explains that MPAs function similarly to national parks, aiming to preserve ecosystems by limiting certain activities. However, their effectiveness is threatened by the transient nature of executive orders, which can lead to the retraction of protections, as seen with the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument.

At [19:47], Johnson states:

"Conservation by executive order is probably not the lasting durable solution we want for a number of reasons. One, it's top down and all the best science tells us that bottom up, community-driven conservation tends to have better outcomes."

He further elaborates on his research involving the Ocean Novelty Index, a metric developed to assess how marine environments will change due to climate crises. This tool helps in strategic planning for MPAs by anticipating future ecological conditions, ensuring that protections remain relevant as species migrate in response to warming waters.

Breakthrough in Artificial Photosynthesis

Transitioning from climate impacts to innovative solutions, Dr. Yamin introduces a fascinating segment on artificial photosynthesis. Researchers from the University of Cambridge and UC Berkeley have developed a device resembling a flower, made from copper nanoflowers, that can convert carbon dioxide into usable fuels and chemicals using solar energy. This technology not only offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels but also actively removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Key highlights include:

• Copper Nanoflowers: Serve as effective catalysts, enhancing the efficiency of the conversion process.
• Glycerol Utilization: Incorporating glycerol, a byproduct of biodiesel production, enhances energy efficiency and produces valuable compounds for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
• Efficiency Boost: The system produces hydrocarbons 200 times more effectively than previous models.

Dr. Yamin emphasizes the potential of this technology to revolutionize how we produce fuels and materials, while also addressing carbon emissions. However, she notes that further advancements are needed to improve durability and scalability before commercial application.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reflection on the interconnectedness of global ecosystems and the importance of supporting vulnerable communities through both traditional knowledge and cutting-edge scientific research. Dr. Yamin encourages listeners to engage with and support the efforts of Pacific Islander communities in building resilience against climate change, while also being optimistic about technological innovations like artificial photosynthesis that offer new pathways to sustainability.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Steven Manaoakamai Johnson at [14:27]:

  "It's not just an economics question or a physics question or a biology question that we're trying to address with the climate crisis. It's really a relational question of how are people's deep, intimate relationships with the natural world being impacted?"

• Dr. Samantha Yamin at [30:34]:

  "We're actively pulling carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and turning it into something useful—fuels, chemicals, and materials that we can make without harming the planet."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Curiosity Weekly offers a nuanced exploration of climate change impacts in the Pacific Islands, underscored by the resilience and innovative spirit of its people. It also highlights promising technological advancements that could play a pivotal role in mitigating future environmental challenges. Through insightful discussions and expert interviews, Dr. Yamin provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of both the human and technological dimensions of the climate crisis.

Produced by Wheelhouse DNA:

• Senior Producer & Editorial Correspondent: Teresa Carey
• Associate Producer: Chiara Noni
• Audio Engineer: Nick Kharismi
• Head of Production: Cassie Berman

Stay Connected: Leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts and suggest topics you'd like to hear about in future episodes!