Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID GU_2024_Yeo1

Investigation of Water Availability under Climate Change Condition - Pohnpei, FSM

Institute: Guam
Year Established: 2024 Start Date: 2024-09-01 End Date: 2025-08-31
Total Federal Funds: $30,899 Total Non-Federal Funds: Not available

Principal Investigators: Myeong-Ho Yeo, Danko Toborosi

Project Summary: The Federated States of Micronesia faces grave threats from climate change, particularly in relation to its water resources. Alterations in precipitation patterns have led to more frequent and prolonged droughts across the islands, directly impacting freshwater availability for critical needs such as drinking and agriculture. They exacerbate water scarcity, potentially leading to conflicts over limited water resources among communities and industries reliant on water. Rising sea levels pose another significant challenge by causing saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers and groundwater reservoirs. This intrusion disrupts the delicate balance of freshwater lenses, transition zones, and saltwater layers, affecting not only water availability but also freshwater-dependent ecosystems. Coastal communities, especially those near shorelines with groundwater wells, are highly vulnerable, necessitating urgent adaptive strategies to secure alternative water sources and protect existing freshwater reservoirs from contamination and depletion. Furthermore, the region is experiencing more frequent extreme weather events such as intense storms and heavy rainfall. These events result in flash floods, soil erosion, and surface water contamination, further stressing water quality and availability. To address these complex challenges effectively, comprehensive adaptation and mitigation strategies are essential, including improved water management practices, resilient infrastructure investments, and community-based initiatives focused on water conservation and sustainable use. This project is proposed to support the regional climate resilience effort effectively. As the first phase, we will look into the effects of climate change on temperatures and precipitation patterns.