William James Smith

Climate change in arid lands and Native American socioeconomic vulnerability: The case of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe

The case of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe exemplifies tribal vulnerabilities as a result of climate change. Preliminary socio-economic data and analysis reveal that the tribe’s vulnerability to climate change is related to cultural and economic dependence on Pyramid Lake, while external socio-economic vulnerability factors influence adaptive capacity and amplify potential impacts. Reduced water supplies as a consequence of climate change would result in a compounded reduction of inflows to Pyramid Lake, thus potentially impacting the spawning and sustenance of a cultural livelihood, the endangered cui-ui fish (Chasmistes cujus). Meanwhile, limited economic opportunities and dwindling federal support constrain tribal adaptive capacity. Factors that contribute to tribal adaptive capacity include: sustainability-based values, technical capacity for natural resource management, proactive initiatives for the control of invasive-species, strong external scientific networks, and remarkable tribal awareness of climate change.

The Clearinghouse Approach to Enhancing Informed Public Participation in Watershed Management Utilizing GIS and Internet Technology

Abstract Geographic Information Systems and Internet technology provide the capability to enhance informed public participation in watershed management. This is demonstrated by a case study of the endeavor resulting in the construction of the Gunpowder Watershed Clearinghouse Website. This “clearinghouse” model represents an important tool for promoting “inclusiveness” in watershed management. This is essential, as watersheds serve the needs of diverse groups of stakeholders with divergent agendas and differing jurisdictional allegiances. It is vital to engage these diverse groups because it is upon their behavior(s) that watershed health depends. When resource managers incorporate the general public into watershed management public health is guarded, conflict can be mitigated, government transparency is increased in a digestible manner, better decisions are made, and appreciation of the need to protect natural resources nurtured. This incorporation is well served by the creation of an Internet “clearinghouse” to foster a shared watershed-based geographical identity, educate at the users convenience, and connect stakeholders with cultural and physical resources and phenomena. Allowing sharing, rather than hoarding or duplication of resources, and creating awareness among various watershed stakeholders of each others activities supports watershed preservation and restoration.

Improving access to safe drinking water in rural, remote and least-wealthy small islands: non-traditional methods in Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia

Western Pacific small island rural communities suffer from waterborne diseases and are among the least wealthy, most remote and resource-poor across the globe. Small landmasses, geologic composition, geographic isolation, a colonial history, and weak educational, technological and financial resources constitute significant barriers to strengthening capacity to access safe drinking water. High-technology, high-cost and complex Northern (Western) models for mitigating water access problems often prove inappropriate and unsustainable. The aim of this paper is to offer a non-traditional approach for improving both sub-national environmental analysis capacity and engaging in low-technology and low-cost mitigation of vulnerability to waterborne disease at the village-scale. The approach involves a combination of techniques, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) training, basin management, environmental health education at the grassroots scale and working with civil society to support appropriate technologies. The findings improve understanding of remote, rural and least-wealthy small island conditions, offer guidance regarding environmental management in the Western Pacific, and provide insight for developing outreach programmes with the aim of improving conditions on similar islands globally.

Geographic factors complicating hazard responses on small islands

Small islands, such as those found in the Pacific, experience the impacts of their relatively unique geographic profiles in relation to hazards and vulnerability in at least four ways: 1) perception and communication; 2) impact; 3) technology; and 4) socio-environmental justice. Analysis in these four areas highlights distinct ways in which hazards and vulnerability should be conceptualized in the under-researched small islands of the world. Lessons from this analysis will aid in understanding small island scenarios, as well as lend guidance to those seeking direct intervention for mitigation of, and adaptation to, technological and natural hazards.

A Comparative Geographic Analysis of the Impact of Scale on Hazards and Vulnerability in Industrialized Continental Lands and Small Pacific Islands

Geography, specifically scale, has significant impacts in terms of hazards and vulnerability. Small islands, such as those found in the Pacific, experience the impacts of their relatively unique geography and scale in terms of hazards and vulnerability in at least five ways: 1) Perception and communication; 2) Impact and escape from impact; 3) Technology; 4) Recovery; and 5) Socio-environmental justice. Comparative analysis in these five areas between the Pacifics small islands and industrialized continental regions illuminates differences regarding the way hazards and vulnerability should be conceptualized in the under-treated small islands of the world. Lessons from this analysis will aid in conceptualization of small island scenarios, as well as lend guidance to those seeking direct intervention regarding technological and natural hazards.