Influence of Environmental Changes on the Micronesian Region : Case Study of Islands in Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia

To study the influence of globalisation and global warming on the islands in Yap State with reference to data developed from a questionnaire on food, lifestyle and local awareness of globalisation and global warming and their effects on human and natural environments, research was conducted in Yap proper (Gilman, Gachpar and Wanyan villages) and the Falalop and Fais Islands in November 2008. On the basis of the results of the survey, this study attempts to verify a 'centre-periphery' hypothesis that focuses on the accessibility between each island and Guam, the developed core (or centre) of the Micronesian region. Some results support the hypothesis; however, different trends were also observed in the three islands. The average daily consumption of rice (modern food) in Falalop was higher than that in Yap, which is the closest to an urban area, and in Fais, which is a distant remote island. However, people in Yap and Fais consumed taro (traditional food) more frequently than rice (modern food). On the other hand, people in Falalop consumed frozen meat more frequently than fresh meat. The percentage of households possessing electricity was higher in Falalop than that in the other islands. This might be the reason that people in Falalop consumed frozen meat more frequently than fresh meat. The percentage of people who consumed traditional beverages (coconut juice and fresh water [not store-bought]) was much higher than that who consumed new beverages (mineral water and other beverages) in all the three islands. Awareness of the effects of climate change was higher in Yap and Falalop than in Fais. The physical effect of a typhoon and aid to support victims may have affected social systems and led to economic disparity. Finally, we discuss other factors related to environmental changes that affect the social system