Pacific RISA

09/09/2026

The national RISCC network released a new fact sheet about how extreme events like hurricanes can facilitate invasive species movement and spread. Using case study examples from the Pacific Islands, the U.S. Southeast, and the Caribbean, the fact sheet highlights how high winds or flood waters during hurricanes can disperse invasives and displace native species. Impacts could also occur after the main storm event: invasive species can invade during relief efforts or establish more easily in disturbed habitats. This information outreach is particularly timely during the 2026-27 El Niño event, which has already brought significant storm impacts to broad parts of the U.S. Pacific Islands region, including Hawaiʻi, Guam, and CNMI.

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14394/58909

08/25/2026

Pacific RISA co-director Dr. Laura Brewington is quoted in this timely piece about the impacts of climate-fueled storms on the spread of invasive species. Hawai`i does not yet have a management plan to prepare for or respond to this threat.

Climate-fueled storms like Hurricane Lala may help spread invasive pests, plants and pathogens already on the islands and usher new ones into the state. Experts say Hawaiʻi needs more planning.

08/11/2026

As climate change reshapes weather patterns across the region, Pacific Islands like Palau are experiencing the impacts of rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, sea level rise, and more frequent extreme events. With partners from UH and Palau, Pacific RISA co-developed the Kukau Climate Early Warning Dashboard—a digital tool designed to support agricultural decision-making through accessible climate information.

Read more about the process and the project in our latest research update!

As climate change reshapes weather patterns across the region, Pacific Islands like Palau are experiencing the impacts of rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, sea level rise, and more f…

06/15/2026

On the heels of being quoted by both USA Today and the Associated Press last week, Pacific RISA PI Abby Frazier, PhD was interviewed live on CNN this weekend about the potential impacts of a Super El Niño on the Pacific and beyond. Congrats Abby!

View the interview here (around 2:20): https://rb.gy/9nqoy8

06/12/2026

Pacific RISA PI Dr. Abby Frazier told The Associated Press and USA TODAY that a developing El Niño could amplify extreme weather around the globe. See below for more on El Niño and check out Pacific RISA's Pacific Island Fact Sheets on El Niño for detailed physical impacts on different sectors and projected trends in relevant climate variables for Hawaii, American Sāmoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, the eastern and western Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

https://www.pacificrisa.org/education-outreach/pacific-island-enso-fact-sheets/

U.S. meteorologists say an El Nino has formed. That's the natural warming of parts of the Pacific that changes weather around the globe.

06/12/2026

Pacific RISA PI Dr. Abby Frazier was recently interviewed by several large media outlets regarding the current El Nino, whose effects "can get dire very quickly,” especially in the Pacific.

Strong El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events have significant impacts around Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, including extended drought conditions, enhanced risk of damaging tropical cyclones, increased risk of coral bleaching, and possible spread of vector borne disease and illness.

04/27/2026

"Meteorologists are forecasting a “super” El Niño season, with a more than 60% chance of starting in May. That system, fueled by ocean surface temperatures and winds, typically signifies an increased risk of tropical cyclones but less rainfall on the whole."

This year's heavy rain has turbocharged the growth of vegetation statewide. When the inevitable dry months come, it will become extra fuel for wildfires.

04/23/2026

This Earth Day, Pacific RISA PI Laura Brewington celebrated island pathways to prosperity at the University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability. In the shadow of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the need for island leadership and sustainability is more important than ever. But as one speaker said, “It’s hard to be resilient when you are constantly in recovery” - that’s why Guam has signed on to a new challenge to join 100 islands in being 100% sustainably powered. Mahalo to Guam for their extraordinary leadership in our region and the world 🏝️🙏