Microcosmic Histories: Island Perspectives on "Global" Change

TLDR

The Pacific and Polynesian islands serve as microcosmic model systems for studying human dimensions of global change, offering natural controlled experiments. By examining how past islanders shaped their environment, the authors seek to inform sustainable relationships with our planet. Island histories show that human choices determine outcomes, proving that change is not inevitable or predetermined.

Abstract

The Pacific Islands, particularly the Polynesian islands, provide excellent model systems for understanding the human dimensions of global change. This is due to their uniquely microcosmic aspect. Little worlds unto themselves, islands are natural history's best shot at something approaching the controlled experiment. The human choices that have led to particular outcomes on these islands teach us that nothing is inevitable or predetermined. The more we understand how our predecessors fashioned the earth we have inherited, the better we may be able to achieve a "sustainable" relationship with our planet, our own little microcosm within the cosmos.