Before They Vanish

Many small island states around the world are on the frontline of climate change. The potential impacts are severe. From land loss and people displacement to potential national relocations, climate change may bring irreparably damage to the unique cultures of various small island states around the world.

While climate change is to a large degree caused by greenhouse gas emissions resulting from our continued use of fossil fuels as our primary energy source, the island states not only face the immediate danger from rising sea levels but also face some of the highest energy prices in the world (some pay over $1/KwH). truly getting the worst of both ends.

This series unpacks the complexities of economic dependency on fossil fuels of the Pacific and explores the transition to widespread renewable energy development and adoption.

Hawaii and Palau are island nations at the heart of the issue, forced into fossil fuel and import dependency. We focus our spotlight on the people behind a movement to reclaim cultural and resource sovereignty.

Through the perspective of the local communities, local businesses, and politicians, we highlight the importance of both multilateral and multistakeholder cooperation to achieve sustainable milestones, liberation, and climate resiliency on the Pacific Islands.

Current Phase: In Production

Project Partners: Mana Pacific, Blue Planet Alliance, Planet Home, and others

Series by: Daniel Cervenka & Andres Bronnimann

Release: 2023

Island nations will be most immediately and critically affected by climate change. The Moana Pledge is a regional alliance, rallying Pacific Island Nations around accelerating and blueprinting renewable energy and developing sustainable local economic ecosystems. Together, these nations can change how island countries around the world build resilience.