The Palau International Coral Reef Center and Pacific RISA, in partnership with the Palau National Office of Climate Change, successfully co-hosted the Palau Climate Information and Capacity-Building Workshop focused on updating and validating the second Pacific Islands Regional Climate Assessment for Palau.
The workshop brought together representatives from government agencies, technical experts, and sectoral practitioners to review the latest climate science and discuss climate impacts affecting Palau’s communities, environment, and economy.
Pacific Island governments continue to recognize climate change as one of the greatest threats to regional security, economic stability, environmental sustainability, and peace. PIRCA addresses these concerns by assessing current knowledge on climate indicators, impacts, vulnerabilities, and adaptive capacity across the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands and the Hawaiian archipelago.
Palau’s first PIRCA report was published in 2020. PICRC Researcher Tim Linsell is leading the update to Palau’s PIRCA report, which examines how climate conditions are changing in Palau and the impacts these changes are expected to have across key sectors.
“The PIRCA process is important because it ensures that climate information is grounded in both science and local experience,” said Tim. “By working closely with agencies and stakeholders, we can better identify climate risks and support practical adaptation planning for Palau.”
During the workshop, organizers introduced the draft PIRCA 2.0 assessment and presented updated analyses of observed climate trends and projected long-term climate scenarios for the Republic of Palau. Participants also reviewed preliminary findings on climate impacts affecting priority sectors, including natural resources, infrastructure, water security, public health, and coastal communities.
Breakout sessions encouraged participants to provide feedback, share sector-specific concerns, and refine the assessment’s findings to ensure the report reflects local knowledge and priorities.
“This workshop represents an important step toward strengthening Palau’s climate resilience,” stated PICRC’s Director of Research, Geraldine Rengiil. “Evidence-based planning and informed policy decisions are critical as Palau continues to respond to the growing impacts of climate change.”
By facilitating dialogue and sharing the latest climate information, the workshop aimed to enhance national awareness and support collaborative approaches to climate adaptation and resilience-building across Palau.
The updated PIRCA 2.0 report is expected to serve as a key resource for policymakers, practitioners, and communities working to address climate challenges and support sustainable development in Palau. Work to refine the report will continue throughout 2026, with the final product due for publication at the end of the year.
