Abstract
This is an autoethnographic inquiry into the perceived effects of a University of Hawaii graduate degree program, from the perspective of the PACMED Director, as a means of advancing health and equity in the wake of the Republic of Marshall Islands’ sea-level rising migration and refugee crisis. Kwajalein Atoll is the largest low lying coral atoll in the world. Climate change is increasing sea-level rise, which may destroy Kwajalein’s freshwater lens in 15 to 45 years (2035 – 2065), force migration from the islet, and erase the Republic of Marshall Islands’ culture and sovereignty. The threat of sea-level rise and climate change migration is the current chapter in a tragic story of colonization and the United States’ nuclear bomb-testing in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). Border crossing of the Marshallese to Hawaii and the U.S. mainland has been unsuccessful due to high percentages of immigrants experiencing health problems and living in poverty or homelessness. However, this story is prompting a critical call to raise awareness and empower local Pacific leaders with place-based STEM education so that they might have the power to solve unique Pacific problems and preserve their threatened Pacific island homes.
Presenters
Ivy YeungFaculty, College of Education, University of Hawaii, Hawaii, United States Deborah K. Zuercher
Professor and PACMED Director, Curriculum Studies, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii, United States Gregg Nakano
Doctoral Candidate, University of Hawaii Jelton Anjain
Education Commissioner, Republic of Marshall Islands Public Schools
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2020 Special Focus—Advancing Health and Equity: Best Practices in an International Perspective
KEYWORDS
Health, Climate Change, Sea-Level Rising, Immigration, Disease
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