Currently in Pohnpei State, Federated States of Micronesia, we are under an emergency declaration as a result of the dry El Nino weather conditions. It's been dry. A tire fire at our only dumpsite on the island raged for days and was close to making contact with some fuel drums. Thank God the fire was stopped before it had a chance to make contact. Great job to Pohnpei State as one team overcoming the fire.
Each day is like the day before; what is expected is what is usually realized. The idea of a drought in one of the wettest places on Mother Earth was a good break from the usual certainty. Along with the drought, dry areas sparked and fed fires. Normally muddy areas started to kick up dust. It was like a lesson in learning how to live somewhere else while living at home.
Then, the rains came, and we rejoiced! No more fires! No more dust! Back to the wet and muddy terrain we all love to hate. Certainty returned. Such is the cycle of life on an island. Unfortunately, the forecasts have this El Nino lasting well into February and March.
This is the life cycle on the islands. While we may not have the traditional Western seasons of winter, spring, summer, and fall, we do have seasons. There are distinct times of the year when certain weather patterns emerge and when certain animals appear, and this is how the Islanders of old were able to plan, strategize, and thrive in a world without weather forecasts, cell phones, and radios.
On the tiny outlier of Pingelap in Pohnpei State, life revolves around this observation, like many other outliers in the Pacific Ocean. One that was no doubt a result of years, maybe even centuries of trial and error.
The month of January in Pingelap is known as Epwel-Lap, Big Waves. Everyone on the tiny atoll understands that when that month comes along there will be big waves. It's a fact of life, and one that is ingrained in their calendar, which actually starts in March.
In March, the Pingelapese start the year with flying fish fishing season. This signals the start of the season to eat ocean-based meat. Then in October-November, the season is over and everyone starts to eat land-based meat, like crabs, coconut crabs, and birds. This cycle repeats itself every year and allows the people of Pingelap to conserve, prepare, and sustain their natural resources and livelihood. It's a simple life.
So, while we see the El Nino or La Nina, and hear about climate change this and that, let us remember that those living on tiny islands, specks in the great big ocean, have somehow learned over the centuries to be in sync if not sometimes stay one step ahead of the elements.
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