Climate Change in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: Indicators and Considerations for Key Sectors

Climate Change in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: Indicators and Considerations for Key Sectors is a report developed by the Pacific Islands Regional Climate Assessment (PIRCA). It is one in a series of reports aimed at assessing the state of knowledge about climate change indicators, impacts, and adaptive capacity of the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands and the Hawaiian archipelago. Authors from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Office of Planning and Development, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the East-West Center—along with technical contributors from government and nongovernmental organizations, research, and community groups—collaboratively developed the CNMI PIRCA report.

Key climate change issues affecting the CNMI include more destructive typhoons, threats to ocean ecosystems, and mental and physical health risks. Climate change is expected to disrupt many aspects of life in CNMI. Those who are already vulnerable—including children, the elderly, low-income families, and individuals with disabilities—are at greater risk from extreme weather and climate events. Climate Change in CNMI: Indicators and Considerations for Key Sectors provides guidance for decision-makers seeking to better understand the implications of climate variability and change for CNMI and its communities. This assessment also identifies the additional information and research needed to support responses that enhance resilience and help CNMI to withstand the changes to come.