The Southern dialogue: Exploring perspectives on climate change and equality with Pacific Island residents in Auckland

Abstract

Environmental crises such as cyclones, floods and tsunamis may not be new to the history of this planet. The scientific research and documents have become more available to reveal the truth of climate change in recent years. It is now commonly understood that climate disturbances are mostly anthropocentric. At the same time, the challenges that we are facing in relation to climate change often seem to be only considered by 'experts' with the voices of people who are facing the negative consequences of changing climate often not being heard very loudly in climate discourses. It has been predicted that negative effects of climate change are going to be severe in Asia as well as in the South Pacific Islands. This qualitative research study endeavours to understand how Pacific Island residents in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand perceive current trends of climate crisis. This study also strives to build shared narratives amongst communities of colour in regards to the shared concerns. Individual interviews and a focus group were carried out to explore participants' thoughts and perspectives towards traditional knowledge and cultural identity in relation to their environment and their abilities to live through climate adversities. The results were rich and compelling. Overall, participants' narratives lively illustrated the holistic definition of their environment that humans are part of. They exhibited stewardship towards the environment, as well as rich descriptions of how traditional knowledge is used to live in the environment. At the same time, participants disclosed some of the existing negative assumptions they felt addressed towards them, which made them feel as though their thoughts and actions didn't matter in addressing the issues which impact up on their lives. Based on the findings and analysis of participants narratives, this study supports the local communities' participation and self-determination in climate adaptation strategies. Furthermore, this study strongly suggests the importance of collaboration amongst communities of colour in eliminating existing internalised oppression in the society. Social workers are in the best position to encourage the movement.