Where to from Here? Learning from Our Pacific Neighbours

Abstract

Awareness of climate change is increasing, as more is understood about change in Aotearoa/New Zealand (A/NZ) and across the Pacific. The Pacific strategies are the results of long-standing observation, planning, and action. Maori too utilise regionally based traditional knowledge frameworks to find solutions to new challenges and are well placed to lead attempts to lessen the impact from climate change in A/NZ. This chapter summarises the efforts so far, and also introduces new technological initiatives that could assist in the future such as blue carbon, salt-water resistant crops, and `floating houses'. The Pacific Island Countries have shown the way and A/NZ can learn from the many ways that indigenous Pacific knowledge's have been utilised to help lessen the impact from climate change in the Pacific.