Project
Climate Change Refugees
Role
Video Editor
Description
Residual effects from nuclear testing and rising sea levels washing over the Marshall Islands are causing a wave of homeless migrants into Honolulu.
From 1946 to 1958, the U.S. conducted 67 atomic bomb tests in the Marshall Islands. The detonations also affected other Pacific Ocean islands, including Micronesia.
Thousands of Marshallese have fled toxic radiation and migrated to Hawaii. Scientists say rising sea levels could also render many parts of the islands uninhabitable in 30 years.
Under 1986 agreements, the Marshallese can work, live and attend school in the U.S. without a visa or green card.
There are about 6,500 homeless people in Hawaii. Twenty-seven percent are Micronesian, Marshallese or other Pacific Islanders. With high homelessness rates, Honolulu has banned people from sleeping in public spaces and sidewalks and parks.
