Climate Change in American Sāmoa: Indicators and Considerations for Key Sectors
Climate Change in American Sāmoa: Indicators and Considerations for Key Sectors is a report developed by the Pacific Islands Regional Climate Assessment (PIRCA). It is one in a series of reports aimed at assessing the state of knowledge about climate change indicators, impacts, and adaptive capacity of the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands and the Hawaiian archipelago. Authors from the University of Hawai‘i and the East-West Center—along with 25 technical contributors from local governments, NGOs, researchers, and community groups—collaboratively developed the American Sāmoa report.
Key climate change issues affecting American Sāmoa include human health risks, stronger cyclones, coral reef death, and coastal flooding. Threatened resources include high-value coastal infrastructure and the millions of dollars that ocean ecosystems add to American Sāmoa’s economy annually. Climate change is expected to disrupt many aspects of life in American Sāmoa. Those who are already vulnerable—including children, the elderly, low-income families, and individuals with disabilities—are at greater risk from extreme weather and climate events.
Climate Change in American Sāmoa: Indicators and Considerations for Key Sectors provides guidance for decision-makers seeking to better understand the implications of climate variability and change for American Sāmoa and its communities. This assessment also identifies the additional information and research needed to support responses that enhance resilience and help American Sāmoa to withstand the changes to come.
Find a summary of the report in Samoan here.
Authors: Victoria Keener, Zena Grecni, Kelley Anderson Tagarino, Christopher Shuler, and Wendy Miles
Publisher: Honolulu: East-West Center
Publication Date: June 8, 2021
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.4663397
Pages: 59
Read more about the American Sāmoa PIRCA report
PIRCA 