Low-lying coral islands—such as Ant Atoll, 10 miles from Pohnpei—are especially vulnerable to climate change
Former Brighter Green intern Whitney Hoot is chronicling her experiences as a supervisor in a climate change adaptation program in Pohnpei, Micronesia, a small island developing nation at risk from rising sea levels and other effects of global warming. This is the second blog in a three-blog series.
I have been in Pohnpei for about eighteen months, but I still learn something new almost every day – whether I’m in a training or not.
Last week I learned a lot about climate change outreach and adaptation planning (more on that in my next blog), but I also learned some things about the culture. The Pohnpeian language is actually split into two very distinct dialects – the common tongue and the high language, which is used when speaking to traditional leaders and others with high titles. However, I was pleased to learn that when consulting with a chief, you may first ask permission and he can allow you to speak in the common tongue. What a relief – learning one language is hard enough!
Left: Men installing MPA markers at Pakin Atoll, 30 miles from Pohnpei.
Right: Intact natural resources, such as mangroves, protect Pohnpei from impacts of climate change, such as coastal erosion and saltwater inundation.
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Photo courtesy of Whitney Hoot
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