University of the South Pacific launches new climate change research centre

Professor Ahluwalia said that while Pacific Island nations contribute only a negligible amount to global greenhouse gas emissions, they face the worst impacts of climate change.
photo: 123 RF

A new climate change research centre has been launched at the University of the South Pacific (USP).

The University of the Pacific is the region’s premier higher education institution, owned by 12 Pacific Island nations.

Professor Pal Ahluwalia, vice-chancellor and president of the university, said that “climate change is the greatest challenge of our time” and that the new Centre for Sustainable Futures “will strengthen USP’s core role as a traditional university”.

The new centre was officially launched on 5 August, with initial funding coming from the Aotearoa New Zealand International Climate Finance Strategy.

The University of the Pacific said the centre, expected to be operational in the coming months, has been designed with sustainability in mind to ensure it has a long-term impact on Pacific island nations.

Professor Ahluwalia said that while Pacific Island nations contribute only a negligible amount to global greenhouse gas emissions, they face the worst impacts of climate change.

“For those of us in the Pacific, climate change is not only the greatest challenge of our time, but the threat goes beyond that,” he said.

“The loss of our villages and islands will lead to the loss of our culture, our identity, and even our dignity.”

The chancellor said the new research centre would bring forward a multidisciplinary, integrated and strategic approach to climate change and resilience.

It will be a place where “expertise, diverse knowledge, indigenous wisdom and knowledge blend seamlessly with modern science,” he said.

“Having a sustainable Pacific future means enhanced research capabilities, in-depth impact studies, capacity-building initiatives, academic programs, community-centered policies, and climate finance strategies that benefit the entire region.

“The centre will strengthen USP’s core role as a traditional university, conducting research to create and disseminate new knowledge through teaching, training and publications. This will increase the number of existing and future Pacific climate change researchers, policymakers and legislators.

He added: “These leaders will be well-positioned to lead their communities in addressing the challenges of climate change and its impacts.”