UH Hilo Hosts Talk on Climate Change and World Peace

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo marks International Day of Peace (September 21) with an address by Professor Maxine Burkett, entitled “Is Climate Change a Threat to World Peace?” The event, to be held on Friday, September 20, in University Classroom Building (UCB) 127, is free and open to the public.

Burkett’s talk will be preceded by a viewing of the award winning film “Climate Refugees.” The documentary about the human face of climate change has been shown to audiences including prime ministers, presidents, the United Nations, and universities around the world, and is credited with changing the way the world is looking at climate change. The screening of “Climate Refugees” begins at 3:30 pm, followed by Burkett’s address at 5 pm.

Burkett is a professor at the William S. Richardson School of Law and Director of the Center for Island Climate Adaptation and Policy. She will discuss how vulnerability to climate change may reverse human development gains globally and increase the possibility of conflict through events like climate-induced migration.

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

The event is supported through funding UH Hilo received 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 UH Hilo International Student Services and Intercultural Education office at (808) 974-7313.