Book chapter
How island peoples adapt to climate change: insights from studies of Fiji's hillforts
Palaeolandscapes in Archaeology, pp.313-339
Routledge
2022
Abstract
People on oceanic islands are disproportionately affected by climate change: Today, in the future, and in the past. The range of possible response options for island peoples is not as broad as it is for people occupying larger landmasses. Understanding how island peoples responded to past climate change before they had significant contact with the outside world can help understand optimal future responses by recognising the special characteristics of such comparatively small isolated places.
Studies of Fiji’s hillforts (koronivalu) suggest they were initially constructed as a response to growing conflict caused by climate-driven coastal-resource depletion, an argument that appears tenable for other island contexts in the Asia-Pacific region. Data from studies of hillforts in four areas of Fiji are presented – Sigatoka Valley (Viti Levu Island), Ba Valley and Vatia Peninsula (Viti Levu Island), western Bua Province (Vanua Levu Island and Yadua Island), and Kadavu Province (Ono Island). Using available radiocarbon ages from hillforts, the key insights from each of these areas are explained and evaluated as responses to climate-driven environmental change.
An overview of past responses to climate change on oceanic islands is outlined, informed by insights from the study of Fiji’s hillforts and key lessons for the future identified. Principal among these is that the need for transformational adaptation becomes evident on islands earlier than it might on continents owing to the contrast in the numbers of available adaptation options.
Details
- Title
- How island peoples adapt to climate change: insights from studies of Fiji's hillforts
- Authors
- Patrick Nunn (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australian Centre for Pacific Islands ResearchElia Nakoro (Author) - Fiji MuseumRoselyn Nunn (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australian Centre for Pacific Islands ResearchMeli Nanuku (Author) - Fiji MuseumMereoni Camailakeba (Author) - Fiji Museum
- Contributors
- Mike T Carson (Editor) - University of Guam
- Publication details
- Palaeolandscapes in Archaeology, pp.313-339
- Publisher
- Routledge
- DOI
- 10.4324/9781003139553-11; 10.4324/9781003139553
- ISBN
- 9781003139553
- Organisation Unit
- Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Law and Society; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Sustainability Research Centre; Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99578908102621
- Output Type
- Book chapter
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