Talk to Focus on Effects of Climate Change on Peace

A talk will be presented Friday, Sept. 20, on the impact climate change is having on human populations, and the possibility of it creating conflicts because of climate-induced migration.

The presentation, “Is Climate Change a Threat to World Peace?”, will be given by Maxine Burkett, a professor at the University of Hawaii’s William S. Richardson School of Law. Burnett is also director of the Center for Island Climate Adaptation and Policy at UH.

“Migration might introduce unprecedented strains on the global community, while demanding that international law resolve novel questions of statehood and self-determination,” Burkett said in a statement from UH-Hilo.

The event to be held at 5 p.m. in UCB 127 at the University of Hawaii at Hilo is a prelude to the International Day of Peace, which is observed on Saturday, Sept. 21.

Preceding Burkett’s talk will be the 3:30 p.m. screening of “Climate Refugees,” an award-winning documentary about the impacts climate change is having on populations. It includes interviews with world leaders including President Obama and Desmond Tutu, and is credited with helping to change the way the world is looking at climate change.

The event is supported through funding from the Public Education for Peacebuilding Support initiative of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and is being organized by the UH-Hilo International Student Services and Intercultural Education program.

For more information, or to request accommodations, call the International Student Services and Intercultural Education office at (808) 974-7313.