Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are neural networks that can process images and identify objects within them. Although these methods of machine learning have been around for a long time, it was only within the past 10 years that the error of image classification was reduced to 15%, leading many companies… read more
Pandemics & Informal Work in Developing Countries
With the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a pandemic, proactive social distancing is finally kicking in. Public gatherings are being discouraged and immediate travel bans from countries with higher rates of infections are containing further spread. Meanwhile, increased hoarding of facemasks, hand-sanitizers, toilet paper, and soap are adding to and… read more
Heading to higher ground: Uncertainty in elevation data and sea level rise can under predict affected populations
One of the most visible threats to Oceania is sea level rise. Rightly so, as the Pacific Community (SPC) has estimated that the vast majority of people living in Oceania live within 1 kilometer of the coastline. What can seem as a simple calculation of determining what percentage of a… read more
Disease Outbreak Pt. 1: What Climate Disaster Means for Disease Outbreak
In many climate disaster related conversations, there is a villain that often flies under the radar. Communicable diseases are not at the forefront of climate change discussions. Island shores disappearing, dwindling water supplies, intense storms, air quality, and pollution all occupy disproportionately loud voices in the climate change conversation. Even… read more
Modeling and Protecting Freshwater Resources for Disaster Resilience
In 2016, a drought on the Marshall Islands caused over 16,000 people to suffer from extreme water shortages. The government declared a state of emergency well after freshwater wells had already been contaminated by seawater, leaving thousands to drink from coconuts for survival. This picture is unfortunately not uncommon for… read more
Shrinking Shores? – Ocean Dynamics and Customizing Adaptation Plans
When it comes to climate vulnerability, one group of people will be particularly challenged: those living on low-lying islands, especially atolls. There’s frequently news about how quickly climate change will necessitate relocation or resettlement but it often focuses on the time at which sea-level rise will cover the land, making… read more
Bathymetry Data Collection: Historical Challenges and New Developments
In May of 2019, the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), contracted the company Furgo to conduct an airborne LIDAR survey across nine of Tuvalu’s atoll islands. The purpose of this survey was to collect bathymetry data, or data on the topographic… read more
I’m the Map, I’m the Map, I’m the Map, but What am I Saying?
As the group crosses into serious data collection and needs visual tools to help express important data trends across geography, it is good time to list the challenges of hot spot mapping as it relates to Oceania. It’s important to remember, hot spot maps are supporting graphics, illustrating geographic trends… read more
Misleading Maps: Challenges of Displaying Data in Oceania
My first post reviewed the challenges of creating and maintaining data sets in Oceania. My second discusses how this will affect our research, specifically our maps. Our goal is to “evaluate the adequacy of preparations for climate-related natural disasters … and identify priority action areas for the U.S. to address… read more
Information imperialism and digital colonialism: Why we need to make sure we are building capacity in Oceanic countries
After attending the American Geophysical Union (AGU) 2019 Conference, I began to think a great deal about the role of science and scientific research in addressing global environmental changes. With nearly 30,000 attendees, this is consistently the second largest annual gathering of researchers in the world focusing on a vast… read more