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Bridging Traditional and Scientific Knowledge of Climate Change: Understanding Change Through the Lives of Small Island Communities

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Abstract

I investigate how small-scale fishing communities in the Northern and Southern Group of the Cook Islands understand global climate change through lived experiences rather than through Western scientific knowledge, which often exists at a global rather than local level and infrequently reaches local communities. Responses to qualitative interviews illustrate how local communities and scientists communicate differently about environmental phenomena that are often viewed at different scales. My results also show that while all interviewees have experienced first-hand the effects of climate change, understanding of climate change at the local level is not homogenous. I discuss the importance of bridging the gap between traditional and scientific ways of knowing by ensuring scientific knowledge reaches local communities in accessible and useful form, and by incorporating traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) as well as scientific knowledge into climate change related policy making at both local and national levels.

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Acknowledgements

I thank the Cook Islands Government for facilitating research permits, the communities of Mauke and Manihiki, including the Ariki and Island Councils, for allowing research on their islands, and the individuals who contributed their time and knowledge to the success of this study.

Funding

This research project was funded by a California State University Channel Island’s Faculty Research & Development MiniGrant.

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  1. Anthropology Program, California State University Channel Islands, 1 Universtiy Dr, Camarillo, CA, 93012, USA

    Jaime Matera

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  1. Jaime Matera
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Correspondence to Jaime Matera.

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Matera, J. Bridging Traditional and Scientific Knowledge of Climate Change: Understanding Change Through the Lives of Small Island Communities. Hum Ecol 48, 529–538 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-020-00186-w

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