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Melanesian children float on a bamboo pontoon by Wicked Walu Island on the resort-studded Coral Coast of Fiji, November 11th, 2003. Since the Bali bombings 12 October 2002 tourism has overtaken sugar cane as the South Pacific archipelago's primary source of foreign revenue.

The Edit, Episode #3: A Conversation About Climate Change, COP23, and the Future of the Pacific Islands

On the latest episode of Pacific Standard's podcast about how our stories are made, staff writer Kate Wheeling discusses her reporting from Fiji.

Pacific Standard Staff

A smoke-filled sky filters orange light around a surfer as the Thomas Fire continues to grow and threaten communities from Carpinteria to Santa Barbara on December 12th, 2017, in Carpinteria, California.

Environment

Our Best Environmental Stories of 2017

From Fiji to our own backyard.

Ted Scheinman

A traditional drua, built by Semiti Paki and moored off Korova in Fiji.

Fijians Have a Message for Their Prime Minister: ‘Clean Up Your Backyard First’

Fiji's prime minister has been a champion of Pacific climate causes during his presidency of COP23 in Germany, but Fijians back home feel that their concerns are being overlooked.

Kate Wheeling

Combining Tradition and Modern Science to Survive Climate Change in the Pacific Islands

A network of protected and locally managed marine areas that began as a tool to ensure food security could also increase Fiji's resilience in the face of climate change.

Kate Wheeling

A group of young boys hanging out near the Sigatoka River.

Why Is Fiji Selling Out Its Coastlines?

A mining project at the mouth of Fiji's second biggest river undermines the government's stated commitment to green development.

Kate Wheeling

In the village of Nacamaki remains of old houses in the low-lying coastal village sit near new houses on the hills above.

What You Leave Behind When You Relocate After Climate Change

In the wake of Cyclone Winston, nearly every village on Koro Island is relocating further inland.

Kate Wheeling

The damaged buildings of Queen Victoria School in Tailevu, Fiji, after Cyclone Winston swept through the area, pictured here on February 24th, 2016.

Chatting With Fijians About Climate Change: ‘Sixty Years, and This Will Be All Under Water’

The rainy season seems to have arrived early in Western Fiji, but not every farmer is relieved.

Kate Wheeling

Searching for Potable Water in the ‘Salad Bowl’ of Fiji

Fiji's Sigatoka River valley has been spared from the drought besetting Western Fiji, but the farmers still lack consistent access to potable water.

Kate Wheeling

A young man repairs the roof of his house in Tailevu after Cyclone Winston swept through Fiji in 2016.

Chatting With Fijians About Climate: A Village of ‘Leftovers’

On Fiji's Koro Island, locals talk about how climate change and stronger cyclones are re-shaping their villages.

Kate Wheeling

A family weathers the loss of power after Cyclone Winston swept through Fiji in 2016.

How the Methodist Church in Fiji Is Helping to Lead on Climate Action

An overwhelming majority of Fijians are religious. Reverend James Bhagwan explains how that faith can spur action.

Kate Wheeling