Climate change and hydrological risk in the Pacific: a Humanitarian Engineering perspective

Abstract

Pacific Island communities have adapted to floods, droughts and cyclones over many generations. Small and low-lying islands are particularly exposed to natural disasters, and many countries have limited access to water resources. Anthropogenic climate change is expected to further increase these environmental pressures. Any associated engineering response needs to consider the cultural, societal and historical context, and prioritise the agency of local communities to determine their preferred outcomes. It follows that Humanitarian Engineering, a discipline centred around strengths-based and context-appropriate solutions, has an important role to play in climate change adaptation. In this review, the interplay between hydroclimatology, geography and water security in the Pacific Islands is described and projected climate shifts summarised to highlight future adaptation challenges. A key source of uncertainty relates to the dynamics of two convergence zones that largely drive weather patterns. A broad overview of societal factors that present challenges and opportunities for Humanitarian Engineers is given. Finally, actions are recommended to inform climate change adaptation given the scientific uncertainty around hydrologic risks, and outline lessons for best practice Humanitarian Engineering in the Pacific. Enhancing data sharing, building resilience to climate variability and integrating traditional knowledge with convention engineering methods should be key areas of focus. HIGHLIGHTS Water resource climate change adaptation options are reviewed using a Humanitarian Engineering lens for the Pacific.; Large uncertainties in future changes to the ITCZ, SPCZ and ENSO have major implications for adaptation in the Pacific.; Hydroclimatology research gaps include the relationship between island geography and changes to rainfall extremes, and changes in evapotranspiration for drought assessments.; Scenario-based approaches to understand system thresholds under climate change are promising, but require access to long-term data records.; Appropriate climate adaptation options need to be developed using a strengths-based approach, considering cultural values, land tenure arrangements and institutional structures.;

Keywords

• adaptation
• climate change
• humanitarian engineering
• pacific islands