‘We do in the spirit of togetherness’

Stories of collective resilience, wellbeing and climate (im)mobility in the Pacific

Bibliographic Data

ID21792147
AuthorsTracie Mafile’o (0000-0002-5969-9915, Avondale University, corresponding author), Pelenise Alofa (0000-0002-8225-2636, International Consultants (Egypt)), Torote Kauongo (Pacific Environment), Lorna Saguba (0009-0000-6050-2457, Pacific Environment), Hennah Steven (0000-0001-6000-0115, University of Waikato), Aburi Filoa (Pacific Environment), Fa’ari Sanga (Pacific Environment), Tulano Toloa (0009-0002-3048-9890, Pacific Environment), Loha Isaako-Toloa (0009-0001-1295-2725, Pacific Environment), Sione Nailasikau Halatuituia (Pacific Environment), Tomu Paneta Hauma (0009-0005-5933-785X, Pacific Environment)
Year2026
Volume18
Issue3
Pages280-291
Publication date2026-03-16
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueClimate and Development (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1756-5529 • E-ISSN: 1756-5537
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/17565529.2025.2524421
OpenAlexW4412824440
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited41

Collectivity is at the heart of resilience and wellbeing in the lived experience of those navigating climate (im)mobility in Oceania. The implications of collective resilience and wellbeing for development policy and practice, however, are still little understood given the under-representation of research drawing on the perspective and experience of those from places most disproportionately impacted by climate change. This article presents findings from a qualitative multigenerational family stories study amongst Pacific peoples – Moana or Indigenous peoples of Oceania – on their experiences of climate (im)mobility, resilience and wellbeing. This Pacific-led research involved researchers engaging with their own places, family or kin groups across six Pacific countries (Kiribati, PNG, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu). The findings illustrate collective resilience and wellbeing through connection to past generations, cultural ways of working together, practical adaptation, spirituality/faith and dealing with cultural erosion. Based on this study, it is recommended that, in addition to environmental sustainability, development policy and practice focus on cultural sustainability as well as ‘commoning’ through a relational ethics of care, in order to address future climate (im)mobility and to strengthen collective resilience and wellbeing across the Pacific

Climate change · Environmental ethics · Psychological resilience · Sociology · Climate Change, Adaptation, Migration · Island Studies and Pacific Affairs · Migration, Aging, and Tourism Studies · Philosophy · Psychology · Social Psychology · Ecology

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Open DOIOpen Access