From Islands to Highlands: Climate, Identity and Security in the Pacific

The episode explores what climate, peace and security means in one of the world’s most climate-exposed regions where climate change is not a distant threat, but a lived reality shaping land, livelihoods and identity. It unpacks how rising seas, extreme weather, and environmental pressures intersect with governance, culture, and geopolitical dynamics in the Pacific, from regional frameworks to community-level experiences in Papua New Guinea and Bougainville. Through voices from the region, the episode highlights how climate risks translate into security challenges, while also showcasing Pacific-led responses, from local resilience practices to regional leadership shaping global agendas. Nazanine Moshiri speaks to Jamie Tarawa, UNDP Climate Security Advisor to the Pacific Island Forum, via the CSM and Dr. Jeffrey Noro, Executive Director of the Kainake Project. References:Catching the last wave - The Climate Security Podcast;The Pacific Islands Forum;Melanesia Bio-Cultural Network.Climate, Crisis and Courage is hosted by Nazanine Moshiri.Produced by the Climate Security Mechanism and the United Nations System Staff College, in collaboration with the Berghof Foundation.In this episode, we have used audio clips from Oxfam Aotearoa and New Scientist.