Since 2016, the Pacific RISA has worked with researchers in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), Hawaiʻi, and the US Pacific Northwest to study the relationship between climate change and migration, with an emphasis on the health impacts of climate change and how they are related to migration. New Report on the Intersection of Climate Change, Health, and Migration Invasive species also impact infrastructure, trade, food prices, jobs, and human health. In addition to reducing biodiversity invasive species also cause habitat loss, which changes the ecosystem services that islands provide such as food, water, recreation opportunities, and cultural practices.
Over 60% of species extinctions have occurred in islands and of those, more than 80% were caused by invasive species. They are also epicenters of biodiversity loss. Islands make up just 6% of the world’s total land area but are hotspots of biodiversity. Brewington was invited as a featured speaker to share some of the bright spots, and challenges, surrounding these issues from Pacific Islands. The dual threats of invasive species and climate change dominated the stage at the World Summit on Island Sustainability in the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador this June, where over 150 island leaders and experts gathered at the Galapagos Science Center to share research and ideas, as well as their visions of a sustainable future for islands worldwide. Invasive Species, Climate Change take Center Stage at the World Summit on Island Sustainability