Public Perceptions of Artificial Island Development in Majuro: Survey Findings and Implications for Climate Change Adaptation

Abstract

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is one of only four nations in the world, whose land mass is composed entirely of atolls, along with Kiribati, Tuvalu, and the Maldives. This study analyzed the dataset of the cross-sectional survey conducted in Majuro, the capital of the RMI, collecting 150 valid responses from general RMI citizens residing in Majuro through face-to-face questionnaire interviews between November 2024 and March 2025. We first conducted an analysis using the grand total to grasp basic response patterns and other characteristics, followed by structural equation modeling to clarify causal relationships among variables. Through this study, we have clarified the following points: strong emotional and cultural attachment to their homeland, clear preference for adaptation strategies that allow people to remain within the RMI, limited interest in overseas migration, and strong consensus that construction of artificial islands should not proceed without agreement from all involved parties. Moreover, the results indicated that the impact of perception of life on artificial islands on the intention to migrate to artificial islands may be critical. Based on the results, we conclude that the quality of the living environment will be an influential factors to promote relocation to artificial islands in a smooth manner.

SEM path diagram