After months of anticipation for U.S. federal funding, the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Centre (PI-CASC) officially closed its doors last week, marking a significant setback for climate research and adaptation efforts in the Pacific. Established in 2012 through a partnership between the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, and the University of Guam, PI-CASC was one of nine regional climate hubs created with funding from the U.S. Geological Survey, part of the Department of the Interior (DOI).
The centre had applied for a $10 million federal award in February to support its operations over the next five years. Although previous funding renewals had been successful, the DOI did not advance the application this time, causing funding to lapse as of October 1. Darren Lerner, executive director of PI-CASC, expressed dismay at the lack of communication from the DOI regarding the stalling of funding and the prospects for resuming operational capacity.
The closures have already had a tangible impact, with six staff members seeking new employment and 14 graduate students losing financial support for their research projects. Lerner noted that, even if the DOI were to greenlight funding tomorrow, it would likely take months before any financial assistance could be implemented on the campuses.
The situation echoes broader concerns regarding reduced financial support for critical climate initiatives across the Pacific. Recently, the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) also experienced a funding cut from the U.S., jeopardizing crucial climate resilience projects in the region. Leaders like Baron Waqa, Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum, have highlighted the urgent need for diversifying partnerships and exploring alternative funding avenues with nations such as Australia, Japan, and New Zealand to fill the gaps left by the U.S. withdrawal.
Despite these challenges, there remains hope for regional cooperation and resilience. With the closure of PI-CASC, there is potential for Pacific nations to rally together in finding innovative solutions to their climate challenges and to strengthen ties with alternative partners. This evolving landscape could also provide opportunities to engage with other international players committed to addressing the pressing issues posed by climate change. As the Pacific nations navigate this difficult period, a collective spirit may indeed foster greater control over their developmental agendas and inspire a renewed commitment to building sustainable futures.