Hi Denise,

So good to know that you are engaged this is extremely important global effort. As an agricultural researcher and Plant Pathologist I see a deep need for us to partner with the Pacific Community. I have been trying to work with my former graduate student in Kiribati who lives on an island that is sinking. Huge major problems need to be solved. Similar fates will present itself to many other communities including Hawaii. Climate Change is a tremendous problem but few people see it. They are still arguing about it. For the island communities they need to develop (short term) crops that can grow in high salt environments and later train the population to be good farmers enabling them to have the educational resources to grow some food and NOT be a burden on the island that accepts them. As an Agricultural researcher I am trying to contribute by identifying crops that will grow in harsh environments (low water and high salts). The time is very short.

Please let me know if you see any role for me in your area. I teach a course in Introductory Environmental Sciences and one of our chapters features the new progressive city of Waitakere. Unfortunately, as I have communicated with people in New Zealand the situation has changed and it is not as strongly supported as it was in the past. But there compassion, ethical standards and community caring is very high, as it is with the Pacific island communities and for some people in Hawaii.

Best,
Janice