Climate science is the study of the Earth’s climate and how it changes over time. It draws on weather stations, satellites, ocean monitoring and environmental records to track long-term change.
For the Cook Islands it helps us understand sea level rise, coastal erosion, cyclones, drought, changing rainfall, ocean warming, coral reef impacts and food and water security, and it supports planning by government, communities and organisations.
In the Pacific, science works alongside traditional and Indigenous knowledge. Combining the two strengthens our understanding and grounds solutions in local experience and Pacific values.
Sea level rise
Coastal inundation and erosion, especially on low-lying atolls.
Cyclones
Damage to homes and buildings, the focus of Enhanced Direct Access.
Drought
Pressure on rainwater and freshwater lenses in the Pa Enua.
Ocean warming
Coral bleaching and changes to fisheries and lagoon health.
Government of the Cook Islands