Artificial Island Construction as a Climate Adaptation Strategy for the Right to Stay: Perspectives from Kiribati University Students

抄録

This study investigates the prospect of artificial island construction as a climate change adaptation strategy for Kiribati, focusing on university students. A survey of 85 students at the University of the South Pacific Tarawa Campus examined attitudes toward climate change, migration, and artificial islands as a means to support the “right to stay.” Exploratory factor analysis identified eleven factors explaining 74.6% of total variance in attitudes, grouped into four dimensions: (1) Adaptation Strategy Preference, including artificial islands, domestic relocation, and physical protection measures; (2) Migration Attitude, encompassing planned international migration and liberation from social obligations; (3) Current Situation Evaluation, reflecting satisfaction with living conditions and services; and (4) Rights and Responsibility Recognition, concerning climate justice and the “right to stay.” Positive Evaluation of Artificial Islands emerged as the most significant factor, accounting for 13.7% of variance. The findings reveal a strong desire to preserve I-Kiribati culture alongside mixed responses to artificial islands. Some respondents view artificial island construction as a promising option for maintaining sovereignty and cultural continuity, while others express concerns about safety, environmental impacts, and costs. The survey also highlights diverse migration perspectives, with interest in both domestic relocation and international emigration. These results should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited university-student sample, which may not represent Kiribati’s broader population. Nevertheless, the study offers insights into the complex, multidimensional attitudes of young I-Kiribati toward climate adaptation. The findings suggest that artificial islands could form part of a broader adaptation portfolio, complemented by international financial assistance, vocational training, and efforts to secure the rights of I-Kiribati migrants. This research contributes to discussions on climate justice and adaptation policy in low-lying island nations facing sea-level rise.