Tropical Cyclones (TCs) represent a significant hazard in the South Pacific, accounting for 76% of reported disasters in the region between 1950 and 2004. As such, these devastating events can greatly impact the human and physical landscape of the developing islands nations that lie in their path. In response to this issue, a survey was completed in Fiji, Vanuatu and Tonga (FVT) to assess the impacts of TC's on the Pacific Islands and their ability to adapt to climate change, through the knowledge and experience of indigenous islanders.

A total of 127 survey responses were gathered from a wide cross-section of the community, focusing on five key areas; how islanders understand TCs, how TC activity impacts the indigenous community, anecdotal evidence of climatic variability, current methods of disaster communication and adaptation strategies in the FVT region. An overwhelming number of islanders suggested a number of precursors that may suggest a possible TC event, for example, an increase in mango and breadfruit output in the growing season preceding the TC season. Microscale climate adaptation strategies were also uncovered, including soft-engineering modifications to household structures and macro-scale strategies including the importance of technology and mobile telecommunications in response to disaster communication and management.

Recently, scientific programs have provided us with useful insights into climate change in the region. However, the indigenous population equally provide interesting and useful perspectives in the face of a changing climate.