Earth's Empty Quarter? The Pacific Islands in a Pacific Century

Europeans and Pacific Islanders have had different perceptions of the Pacific region. The former viewed it as empty, and acted accordingly. Pacific Islanders have seen it as a mosaic of islands and interconnections. In the colonial era the Pacific Islands were linked to the world economy. New aspirations followed independence and islanders sought higher levels of material living. However, technological change in transport and greater involvement with the market economy have increasingly marginalized the smaller island countries in relation to Pacific Rim countries. Emigration to the USA, New Zealand and Australia has increased dramatically. The long-term viability of some small island states is doubtful. Global climatic change brings new threats. In the long term some islands, and even states, may be heavily depopulated.