Karen is a Professor and ARC Future Fellow in the School of the Environment at UQ. She is ultimately interested in how people experience and can improve their capacities to respond to the triple crises of poverty, disaster risk, and climate change. Karen has been undertaking applied and policy-relevant research in resilient livelihoods, non-economic loss and damage, community-based adaptation, human mobility, and gender for close to 20 years, partnering with governments, and inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. She has published over 110 journal papers and book chapters, and over 70 reports, online commentaries, and policy briefs.
Karen is currently in the final stages of an ARC Future Fellowship, which is a partnership with local grassroots organisations and researchers to deeply explore loss and damage as a result of environmental change and identify ways of responding in Australia, the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Vanuatu. She recently led a project for the Vanuatu Government to ascertain how the impacts of climate change impinge on people's human rights, as part of the Government's quest for climate justice through the International Court of Justice. She also recently led a project for the OECD looking at climate change adaptation governance across the Pacific Islands region. She is currently involved in an ARC Discovery project on everyday experiences of sea-level rise and relocation in Fiji and the Maldives. Karen has recently completed two ARC Linkage projects, one of which evaluated 32 community-based adaptation initiatives in 20 rural communities across Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati and Vanuatu. Here, Karen and others identified four interdependent points for optimising future adaptation whereby initiatives are wholly led by local people and institutions. Karen has managed 27 research and capacity building grants as lead or named CI totalling over AU$6.4 million for the ARC, Australian Government, DFAT, Scope Global, United Nations Development Programme, and others.
Karen has supervised 13 PhD students to completion (8 as Principal) who have gone onto exciting roles in universities, the United Nations and consultancy firms. She is currently supervising 5 PhD students, teaches a large course on Applied Research Methods each year and has recently developed a UQ 'flagship' course for undergraduate students on 'Complexity, Action, and Sustainable Futures'. She is Editor of Asia Pacific Viewpoint and PLOS Climate and is on several editorial boards. She was the Inaugural 'Environment' Theme Lead for UQ's Global Development Hub (2021-2022).
Prior to taking up her position at UQ, Karen was a Research Consultant at the University of the South Pacific based in Fiji (2011-2012). From 2008-2011, Karen was based in Cairns at James Cook University managing major research projects in the Wet Tropics rainforest and Torres Strait for the Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility and National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility. Prior to this, Karen worked for the NSW Government (2007) and in various roles at the University of New South Wales (2002-2006).
Karen proudly comes from the small town of Quirindi, which is Kamilaroi Country, on the Liverpool Plains in NSW. Growing up in a small, close-knit country town sparked Karen’s interest in social, development and environmental issues in rural communities.
Journal Article: Using a human rights lens to understand and address loss and damage
McNamara, Karen E., Clissold, Rachel, Westoby, Ross, Stephens, Stephanie, Koran, George, Missack, Willy and Bartlett, Christopher Y. (2023). Using a human rights lens to understand and address loss and damage. Nature Climate Change. doi: 10.1038/s41558-023-01831-0
Journal Article: Stories of loss and healing: connecting non-economic loss and damage, gender-based violence and wellbeing erosion in the Asia–Pacific region
Ayeb-Karlsson, Sonja, Chandra, Alvin and McNamara, Karen E. (2023). Stories of loss and healing: connecting non-economic loss and damage, gender-based violence and wellbeing erosion in the Asia–Pacific region. Climatic Change, 176 (11) 157. doi: 10.1007/s10584-023-03624-y
Journal Article: Corrigendum: The role of Vanua in climate-related voluntary immobility in Fiji
Yee, Merewalesi, McNamara, Karen E., Piggott-McKellar, Annah E. and McMichael, Celia (2023). Corrigendum: The role of Vanua in climate-related voluntary immobility in Fiji. Frontiers in Climate, 5 1230600. doi: 10.3389/fclim.2023.1230600
Case study on climate change adaptation governance in the South Pacific
(2022) Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Climate change impacts and human rights in Vanuatu
(2022) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade, Republic of Vanuatu
Working through loss from climate change in the Pacific Islands
(2020–2024) ARC Future Fellowships
Centering local voices across planned relocations: case studies from Fiji
Doctor Philosophy
Experiencing and working through climate-induced non-economic loss in Vanuatu
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding and enhancing the adaptive capacity of market vendors in the Pacific: Experiences and lessons from Vanuatu
Doctor Philosophy
Women’s stories of loss and recovery from climatic events in the Pacific Islands
Clissold, Rachel and McNamara, Karen E. (2023). Women’s stories of loss and recovery from climatic events in the Pacific Islands. Bridging worlds - building feminist geographies: essays in honour of Janice Monk. (pp. 233-246) edited by Anindita Datta, Janet Momsen and Ann M. Oberhauser. Abingdon, Oxon, United Kingdom: Routledge.
Living with extremes: loss and adjustment in the face of drought and cyclones in the Cook Islands
Clissold, Rachel, McNamara, Karen E., Westoby, Ross and Wichman, Vaine (2021). Living with extremes: loss and adjustment in the face of drought and cyclones in the Cook Islands. Loss and Damage Case Studies from the Frontline: A Resource to Support Practice and Policy. (pp. 57-64) edited by Ritu Bharadwaj and Clare Shakya. London, United Kingdom: IIED.
Dam(n) seawalls: a case of climate change maladaptation in Fiji
Piggott-McKellar, Annah E., Nunn, Patrick D., McNamara, Karen E. and Sekinini, Seci T. (2020). Dam(n) seawalls: a case of climate change maladaptation in Fiji. Managing Climate Change Adaptation in the Pacific Region. (pp. 69-84) edited by Walter Leal Filho. Cham, Switzerland: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-40552-6_4
iTaukei ways of knowing and managing mangroves for ecosystem-based adaptation
Pearson, Jasmine, McNamara, Karen E. and Nunn, Patrick D. (2020). iTaukei ways of knowing and managing mangroves for ecosystem-based adaptation. Managing climate change adaptation in the Pacific region. (pp. 105-127) edited by Walter Leal Filho. Cham, Switzerland: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-40552-6_6
Failing adaptation in island contexts: the growing need for transformational change
Nunn, Patrick D. and McNamara, Karen E. (2019). Failing adaptation in island contexts: the growing need for transformational change. Dealing with climate change on small islands: towards effective and sustainable adaptation. (pp. 19-44) edited by Carola Klöck and Michael Fink. Göttingen, Germany: Göttingen University Press. doi: 10.17875/gup2019-1210
Climate-migration responses in the Pacific region
McMichael, Celia, Farbotko, Carol and McNamara, Karen E. (2018). Climate-migration responses in the Pacific region. The Oxford handbook of migration crises. (pp. 1-21) edited by Cecilia Menjivar, Marie Ruiz and Immanuel Ness. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Chandra, Alvin and McNamara, Karen E. (2018). Climate-smart agriculture in Southeast Asia: lessons from community-based adaptation programs in the Philippines and Timor-Leste. Resilience: the science of adaptation to climate change. (pp. 165-179) edited by Zinta Zommers and Keith Alverson. Kidlington, Oxford, United States: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-12-811891-7.00013-x
Henly-Shepard, Sarah, McNamara, Karen E. and Bronen, Robin (2018). Stories of climate-induced mobility Responses, challenges and the need for an institutional framework to guide these transitions. The Routledge Handbook of Community Development Research. (pp. 197-209) edited by Shevellar, L and Westoby, P. London, United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781315612829-13
McNamara, Karen E., Clissold, Rachel, Pearson, Jasmine, McLeod-Robertson, Danielle, Ward, Amy and Allgood, Lacey (2017). The role of a women's collective in rebuilding livelihoods after a disaster: case study of Salam Village, Yogyakarta. Disaster risk reduction in Indonesia: Progress, Challenges, and Issues. (pp. 395-410) edited by Riyanti Djalante, Matthias Garschagen, Frank Thomalla and Rajib Shaw. Cham, Switzerland: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-54466-3_16
Intergenerational sharing of Indigenous environmental knowledge in the Torres Strait
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth and Westoby, Ross (2016). Intergenerational sharing of Indigenous environmental knowledge in the Torres Strait. Geographies of global issues: Change and threat. (pp. 463-482) edited by Nicola Ansell, Natasha Klocker and Tracy Skelton. Singapore, Singapore: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-981-4585-54-5_6
Pearson, Jasmine and McNamara, Karen E. (2016). The value of local environmental knowledge to monitor and manage changing coral reef systems in Kiribati. Environmental sustainability. (pp. 174-195) edited by R.A. Turvey, S. Kurissery and I.F. Pendea. Toronto, ON, Canada: John Wiley & Sons.
Prasad, Shirleen, McNamara, Karen E. and Hemstock, Sarah (2014). Learning from the past to assist local climate change adaptation planning: case study from two communities in the Pacific. Pacific Voices: Local Governments and Climate Change. (pp. 155-163) edited by Ropate Qalo. Suva, Fiji: USP Press.
Prideaux, Bruce, McKercher, Bob and McNamara, Karen Elizabeth (2014). Modelling a tourism response to climate change using a four stage problem definition and response framework. Climate change and tourism in the Asia Pacific. (pp. 165-182) edited by Bruce Prideaux, Bob McKercher and Karen Elizabeth McNamara. Abingdon, Oxon United Kingdom: Routledge.
Coastal and marine ecotourism operations in Australia
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth and Westoby, Ross (2011). Coastal and marine ecotourism operations in Australia. Marine resources management. (pp. 267-278) edited by Warwick Gullet, Clive Scholfield and Joanna Vince. Chatswood, NSW, Australia: LexisNexis Butterworths.
The need for rejuvenation of Norfolk Island’s shopping sector
Prideaux, Bruce, McNamara, Karen E and Blakeney, Kayla (2010). The need for rejuvenation of Norfolk Island’s shopping sector. Advances in Hospitality and Leisure. (pp. 83-98) edited by J.S. Chen. Bingley, United Kingdom: Emerald Group Publishing. doi: 10.1108/S1745-3542(2010)0000006009
Using a human rights lens to understand and address loss and damage
McNamara, Karen E., Clissold, Rachel, Westoby, Ross, Stephens, Stephanie, Koran, George, Missack, Willy and Bartlett, Christopher Y. (2023). Using a human rights lens to understand and address loss and damage. Nature Climate Change. doi: 10.1038/s41558-023-01831-0
Ayeb-Karlsson, Sonja, Chandra, Alvin and McNamara, Karen E. (2023). Stories of loss and healing: connecting non-economic loss and damage, gender-based violence and wellbeing erosion in the Asia–Pacific region. Climatic Change, 176 (11) 157. doi: 10.1007/s10584-023-03624-y
Corrigendum: The role of Vanua in climate-related voluntary immobility in Fiji
Yee, Merewalesi, McNamara, Karen E., Piggott-McKellar, Annah E. and McMichael, Celia (2023). Corrigendum: The role of Vanua in climate-related voluntary immobility in Fiji. Frontiers in Climate, 5 1230600. doi: 10.3389/fclim.2023.1230600
Locally led adaptation: Promise, pitfalls, and possibilities
Rahman, M. Feisal, Falzon, Danielle, Robinson, Stacy-ann, Kuhl, Laura, Westoby, Ross, Omukuti, Jessica, Schipper, E. Lisa F., McNamara, Karen E., Resurrección, Bernadette P., Mfitumukiza, David and Nadiruzzaman, Md. (2023). Locally led adaptation: Promise, pitfalls, and possibilities. Ambio, 52 (10), 1543-1557. doi: 10.1007/s13280-023-01884-7
How Pacifika arts reveal interconnected losses for people and place in a changing climate
Clissold, Rachel, Furlong, Ellie, McNamara, Karen E., Westoby, Ross and Latai-Niusulu, Anita (2023). How Pacifika arts reveal interconnected losses for people and place in a changing climate. Land, 12 (4) 925, 1-19. doi: 10.3390/land12040925
Chandra, Alvin, McNamara, Karen E., Clissold, Rachel, Tabe, Tammy and Westoby, Ross (2023). Climate-induced non-economic loss and damage: understanding policy responses, challenges, and future directions in Pacific Small Island Developing States. Climate, 11 (3) 74, 1-25. doi: 10.3390/cli11030074
Experiencing and responding to extreme weather: lessons from the Cook Islands
Clissold, Rachel, McNamara, Karen E., Westoby, Ross and Wichman, Vaine (2023). Experiencing and responding to extreme weather: lessons from the Cook Islands. Local Environment, 28 (5), 645-661. doi: 10.1080/13549839.2023.2169912
The role of Vanua in climate-related voluntary immobility in Fiji
Yee, Merewalesi, McNamara, Karen E., Piggott-McKellar, Annah E. and McMichael, Celia (2022). The role of Vanua in climate-related voluntary immobility in Fiji. Frontiers in Climate, 4 1034765, 1-19. doi: 10.3389/fclim.2022.1034765
McNamara, Karen, Smith, Aisling, Shine, Brid, Cregan, Mairie, Prihodova, Lucia, O’Shaughnessy, Ann, Martin, Aisling, Macdonald, Jenny, Kingston, Phil, Fitzpatrick, Chris, Hennessy, Marita and O’Donoghue, Keelin (2022). Addressing obstetricians’ awareness of compassion, communication, and self-care when caring for families experiencing stillbirth: evaluation of a novel educational workshop using applied drama techniques. PLoS ONE, 17 (11) e0277496. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277496
Ten new insights in climate science 2022
Martin, Maria A., Boakye, Emmanuel A., Boyd, Emily, Broadgate, Wendy, Bustamante, Mercedes, Canadell, Josep G., Carr, Edward R., Chu, Eric K., Cleugh, Helen, Csevar, Szilvia, Daoudy, Marwa, De Bremond, Ariane, Dhimal, Meghnath, Ebi, Kristie L., Edwards, Clea, Fuss, Sabine, Girardin, Martin P., Glavovic, Bruce, Hebden, Sophie, Hirota, Marina, Hsu, Huang-Hsiung, Huq, Saleemul, Ingold, Karin, Johannessen, Ola M., Kameyama, Yasuko, Kumarasinghe, Nilushi, Langendijk, Gaby S., Lissner, TabeaKatharina, Lwasa, Shuaib ... Zhao, Zhirong Jerry (2022). Ten new insights in climate science 2022. Global Sustainability, 5 e20, 1-20. doi: 10.1017/sus.2022.17
Wellbeing outcomes of nature tourism: Mt Barney Lodge
Clissold, Rachel, Westoby, Ross, McNamara, Karen E. and Fleming, Christopher (2022). Wellbeing outcomes of nature tourism: Mt Barney Lodge. Annals of Tourism Research Empirical Insights, 3 (2) 100077, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.annale.2022.100077
Barriers to attendance at a tertiary hospital’s perinatal mortality meeting
Burke, Barbara, Boyd, Sophie, McNamara, Karen and O’Donoghue, Keelin (2022). Barriers to attendance at a tertiary hospital’s perinatal mortality meeting. Irish Journal of Medical Science, 192 (3), 1265-1270. doi: 10.1007/s11845-022-03137-0
Hopeful tourism to grapple and engage with emotions in the Anthropocene
Westoby, Ross, Clissold, Rachel and McNamara, Karen E. (2022). Hopeful tourism to grapple and engage with emotions in the Anthropocene. Geographical Research, 60 (4), 651-656. doi: 10.1111/1745-5871.12554
Experiences of i-Kiribati with labor mobility schemes
Cornish, Gillian E., Pearson, Jasmine, McNamara, Karen E., Alofa, Pelenise and McMichael, Celia (2022). Experiences of i-Kiribati with labor mobility schemes. Asian and Pacific Migration Journal, 31 (2), 162-175. doi: 10.1177/01171968221107942
Turning to nature to process the emotional toll of nature’s nestruction
Westoby, Ross, Clissold, Rachel and McNamara, Karen E. (2022). Turning to nature to process the emotional toll of nature’s nestruction. Sustainability, 14 (13) 7948, 1-8. doi: 10.3390/su14137948
Emotions of the Anthropocene across Oceania
Clissold, Rachel, McNamara, Karen E. and Westoby, Ross (2022). Emotions of the Anthropocene across Oceania. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19 (11) 6757, 1-6. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19116757
International student mobility: Pacific Islander experiences of higher education in Australia
Pearson, Jasmine, McNamara, Karen E. and McMichael, Celia (2022). International student mobility: Pacific Islander experiences of higher education in Australia. Asia Pacific Viewpoint, 63 (2), 194-206. doi: 10.1111/apv.12342
Climate change, voluntary immobility, and place-belongingness: insights from Togoru, Fiji
Yee, Merewalesi, Piggott-McKellar, Annah E., McMichael, Celia and McNamara, Karen E. (2022). Climate change, voluntary immobility, and place-belongingness: insights from Togoru, Fiji. Climate, 10 (3) 46. doi: 10.3390/cli10030046
Lessons for adaptation pathways in the Pacific Islands
McNamara, Karen E., Westoby, Ross and Clissold, Rachel (2022). Lessons for adaptation pathways in the Pacific Islands. PLOS Climate, e0000011. doi: 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000011
Cascading loss and loss risk multipliers amid a changing climate in the Pacific Islands
Westoby, Ross, Clissold, Rachel, McNamara, Karen E., Latai-Niusulu, Anita and Chandra, Alvin (2022). Cascading loss and loss risk multipliers amid a changing climate in the Pacific Islands. Ambio, 51 (5), 1239-1246. doi: 10.1007/s13280-021-01640-9
Ways of healing in the Anthropocene
Westoby, Ross, McNamara, Karen E. and Clissold, Rachel (2022). Ways of healing in the Anthropocene. Climate and Development, 14 (1), 1-8. doi: 10.1080/17565529.2021.1881425
Clissold, Rachel, McNamara, Karen E., Westoby, Ross, Raynes, Elizabeth and Licht Obed, Viviane (2021). “We were all heartbroken”: emotional wellbeing and healing after the 2017/18 Manaro Voui eruptions in Ambae, Vanuatu. Australasian Journal of Disaster and Trauma Studies, 25 (2), 37-44.
Clissold, Rachel, McNamara, Karen Elizabeth, Westoby, Ross, Daniel, Ladonna, Raynes, Elizabeth and Licht Obed, Viviane (2021). “I thought I lost my home”: resource loss, distress and recovery after the Manaro Voui volcanic disaster on Ambae Island. Disaster Prevention and Management, ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print), 432-446. doi: 10.1108/dpm-02-2021-0027
Exploring climate-driven non-economic loss and damage in the Pacific Islands
McNamara, Karen E., Westoby, Ross and Chandra, Alvin (2021). Exploring climate-driven non-economic loss and damage in the Pacific Islands. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 50, 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.cosust.2020.07.004
Spatial and temporal ways of knowing sea level rise: Bringing together multiple perspectives
McMichael, Celia, Kothari, Uma, McNamara, Karen E. and Arnall, Alex (2021). Spatial and temporal ways of knowing sea level rise: Bringing together multiple perspectives. WIREs Climate Change, 12 (3) e703. doi: 10.1002/wcc.703
Climate-driven losses to Indigenous and local knowledge and cultural heritage
Pearson, Jasmine, Jackson, Guy and McNamara, Karen E. (2021). Climate-driven losses to Indigenous and local knowledge and cultural heritage. Anthropocene Review, 10 (2), 1-24. doi: 10.1177/20530196211005482
Locally led adaptation: drivers for appropriate grassroots initiatives
Westoby, Ross, Clissold, Rachel, McNamara, Karen E., Ahmed, Istiakh, Resurrección, Bernadette P., Fernando, Nishara and Huq, Saleemul (2021). Locally led adaptation: drivers for appropriate grassroots initiatives. Local Environment, 26 (2), 1-7. doi: 10.1080/13549839.2021.1884669
Alternative entry points for adaptation: examples from Vanuatu
Westoby, Ross, Clissold, Rachel and McNamara, Karen E. (2021). Alternative entry points for adaptation: examples from Vanuatu. Weather, Climate, and Society, 13 (1), 11-22. doi: 10.1175/wcas-d-20-0064.1
Understanding and responding to climate-driven non-economic loss and damage in the Pacific Islands
McNamara, Karen E., Westoby, Ross, Clissold, Rachel and Chandra, Alvin (2021). Understanding and responding to climate-driven non-economic loss and damage in the Pacific Islands. Climate Risk Management, 33 100336, 100336. doi: 10.1016/j.crm.2021.100336
McNamara, Karen E., Clissold, Rachel and Westoby, Ross (2021). Women’s capabilities in disaster recovery and resilience must be acknowledged, utilized and supported. Journal of Gender Studies, 30 (1), 119-125. doi: 10.1080/09589236.2020.1801397
Dun, Olivia, McMichael, Celia, McNamara, Karen and Farbotko, Carol (2020). Investing in home: development outcomes and climate change adaptation for seasonal workers living between Solomon Islands and Australia. Migration and Development, 11 (3), 1-24. doi: 10.1080/21632324.2020.1837535
Marketplaces as sites for the development‐adaptation‐disaster trifecta: insights from Vanuatu
McNamara, Karen E., Clissold, Rachel and Westoby, Ross (2020). Marketplaces as sites for the development‐adaptation‐disaster trifecta: insights from Vanuatu. Asia Pacific Viewpoint, 61 (3) apv.12293, 566-576. doi: 10.1111/apv.12293
Sharing adaptation failure to improve adaptation outcomes
Westoby, Ross, Rahman, Mohammad Feisal, McNamara, Karen E., Huq, Saleemul, Clissold, Rachel and Khan, Mizan R. (2020). Sharing adaptation failure to improve adaptation outcomes. One Earth, 3 (4), 388-391. doi: 10.1016/j.oneear.2020.09.002
Barriers to adaptation: insights from Laamu Atoll, Maldives
Clissold, Rachel, McNamara, Karen E. and Westoby, Ross (2020). Barriers to adaptation: insights from Laamu Atoll, Maldives. Asia Pacific Viewpoint, 61 (2) apv.12258, 381-390. doi: 10.1111/apv.12258
Relocation planning must address voluntary immobility
Farbotko, Carol, Dun, Olivia, Thornton, Fanny, McNamara, Karen E. and McMichael, Celia (2020). Relocation planning must address voluntary immobility. Nature Climate Change, 10 (8), 702-704. doi: 10.1038/s41558-020-0829-6
An assessment of community-based adaptation initiatives in the Pacific Islands
McNamara, Karen E., Clissold, Rachel, Westoby, Ross, Piggott-McKellar, Annah E., Kumar, Roselyn, Clarke, Tahlia, Namoumou, Frances, Areki, Francis, Joseph, Eugene, Warrick, Olivia and Nunn, Patrick D. (2020). An assessment of community-based adaptation initiatives in the Pacific Islands. Nature Climate Change, 10 (7), 628-639. doi: 10.1038/s41558-020-0813-1
Azfa, Aishath, Jackson, Guy, Westoby, Ross, McNamara, Karen E., McMichael, Celia and Farbotko, Carol (2020). ‘We didn’t want to leave our island’: stories of involuntary resettlement from Gaadhoo Island, Maldives. Territory, Politics, Governance, 10 (2), 1-21. doi: 10.1080/21622671.2020.1768139
Multiple mobilities in Pacific Islands communities
Thornton, Fanny, McNamara, Karen, Dun, Olivia, Farbotko, Carol, McMichael, Celia, Yee, Merewalesi , Coelho, Sabira, Westbury, Tim, James, Sharon and Namoumou, Frances (2020). Multiple mobilities in Pacific Islands communities. Forced Migration Review, 64, 30-33.
Piggott-McKellar, Annah E., McNamara, Karen E. and Nunn, Patrick D. (2020). Who defines “good” climate change adaptation and why it matters: a case study from Abaiang Island, Kiribati. Regional Environmental Change, 20 (2) 43, 43. doi: 10.1007/s10113-020-01614-9
A livelihood analysis of resettlement outcomes: lessons for climate-induced relocations
Piggott-McKellar, Annah E., Pearson, Jasmine, McNamara, Karen E. and Nunn, Patrick D. (2020). A livelihood analysis of resettlement outcomes: lessons for climate-induced relocations. Ambio, 49 (9), 1474-1489. doi: 10.1007/s13280-019-01289-5
Clissold, Rachel and McNamara, Karen E. (2020). Exploring local perspectives on the performance of a community-based adaptation project on Aniwa, Vanuatu. Climate and Development, 12 (5), 457-468. doi: 10.1080/17565529.2019.1640656
From community-based to locally led adaptation: evidence from Vanuatu
Westoby, Ross, McNamara, Karen E., Kumar, Roselyn and Nunn, Patrick D. (2020). From community-based to locally led adaptation: evidence from Vanuatu. Ambio, 49 (9), 1466-1473. doi: 10.1007/s13280-019-01294-8
Women as recovery enablers in the face of disasters in Vanuatu
Clissold, Rachel, Westoby, Ross and McNamara, Karen E. (2020). Women as recovery enablers in the face of disasters in Vanuatu. Geoforum, 113, 101-110. doi: 10.1016/j.geoforum.2020.05.003
“System of hunger”: understanding causal disaster vulnerability of indigenous food systems
Jackson, Guy, McNamara, Karen E. and Witt, Bradd (2020). “System of hunger”: understanding causal disaster vulnerability of indigenous food systems. Journal of Rural Studies, 73, 163-175. doi: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2019.10.042
McNamara, Karen E. and Clissold, Rachel (2019). Vulnerable groups and preliminary insights into intersecting categories of identity in Laamu Atoll, Maldives. Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography, 40 (3), 410-428. doi: 10.1111/sjtg.12280
Pearson, Jasmine, McNamara, Karen E. and Nunn, Patrick D. (2019). Gender-specific perspectives of mangrove ecosystem services: case study from Bua Province, Fiji Islands. Ecosystem Services, 38 100970, 100970. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoser.2019.100970
Westoby, Ross and McNamara, Karen E. (2019). Fear, grief, hope and action. Nature Climate Change, 9 (7), 500-501. doi: 10.1038/s41558-019-0511-z
Community-based adaptation to climate change: lessons from Tanna Island, Vanuatu
Clarke, Tahlia, McNamara, Karen E., Clissold, Rachel and Nunn, Patrick D. (2019). Community-based adaptation to climate change: lessons from Tanna Island, Vanuatu. Island Studies Journal, 14 (1), 59-80. doi: 10.24043/isj.80
What is shaping vulnerability to climate change? The case of Laamu atoll, Maldives
McNamara, Karen E., Clissold, Rachel, Piggott-Mckellar, Annah, Buggy, Lisa and Azfa, Aishath (2019). What is shaping vulnerability to climate change? The case of Laamu atoll, Maldives. Island Studies Journal, 14 (1), 81-100. doi: 10.24043/isj.67
Moving people in a changing climate: lessons from two case studies in Fiji
Piggott-McKellar, Annah, McNamara, Karen, Nunn, Patrick and Sekinini, Seci (2019). Moving people in a changing climate: lessons from two case studies in Fiji. Social Sciences, 8 (5) 133, 133. doi: 10.3390/socsci8050133
Indigenous (im)mobilities in the Anthropocene
Suliman, Samid, Farbotko, Carol, Ransan-Cooper, Hedda, Elizabeth McNamara, Karen, Thornton, Fanny, McMichael, Celia and Kitara, Taukiei (2019). Indigenous (im)mobilities in the Anthropocene. Mobilities, 14 (3), 1-21. doi: 10.1080/17450101.2019.1601828
Loss and damage: a review of the literature and directions for future research
McNamara, Karen E. and Jackson, Guy (2019). Loss and damage: a review of the literature and directions for future research. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, 10 (2) e564, e564. doi: 10.1002/wcc.564
Piggott-McKellar, Annah E., McNamara, Karen E., Nunn, Patrick D. and Watson, James E. M. (2019). What are the barriers to successful community-based climate change adaptation? A review of grey literature. Local Environment, 24 (4), 374-390. doi: 10.1080/13549839.2019.1580688
Human mobility and environmental change: a survey of perceptions and policy direction
Thornton, Fanny, McNamara, Karen E., Farbotko, Carol, Dun, Olivia, Ransan-Cooper, Hedda, Chevalier, Emilie and Lkhagvasuren, Purevdulam (2018). Human mobility and environmental change: a survey of perceptions and policy direction. Population and Environment, 40 (3), 239-256. doi: 10.1007/s11111-018-0309-3
Climate-smart agriculture: perspectives and framings
Chandra, Alvin, McNamara, Karen and Dargusch, Paul (2018). Climate-smart agriculture: perspectives and framings. Climate Policy, 18 (4), 526-541. doi: 10.1080/14693062.2017.1316968
Providing useful climate information to subsistence farmers: The case of Timor-Leste
Watt, S., McNamara, K. E. and Nesbitt, H. (2018). Providing useful climate information to subsistence farmers: The case of Timor-Leste. Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment, 16 (1), 64-72. doi: 10.1234/4.2018.5484
The complex decision-making of climate-induced relocation: adaptation and loss and damage
McNamara, Karen E., Bronen, Robin, Fernando, Nishara and Klepp, Silja (2018). The complex decision-making of climate-induced relocation: adaptation and loss and damage. Climate Policy, 18 (1), 111-117. doi: 10.1080/14693062.2016.1248886
Transformative mobilities in the Pacific: promoting adaptation and development in a changing climate
Farbotko, Carol, McMichael, Celia, Dun, Olivia, Ransan-Cooper, Hedda, McNamara, Karen E. and Thornton, Fanny (2018). Transformative mobilities in the Pacific: promoting adaptation and development in a changing climate. Asia and the Pacific Policy Studies, 5 (3), 393-407. doi: 10.1002/app5.254
Jackson, Guy, McNamara, Karen and Witt, Bradd (2017). A framework for disaster vulnerability in a small island in the Southwest Pacific: a case study of Emae Island, Vanuatu. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 8 (4), 358-373. doi: 10.1007/s13753-017-0145-6
Chandra, Alvin, Dargusch, Paul, McNamara, Karen E., Caspe, Ana Maria and Dalabajan, Dante (2017). A study of climate-smart farming practices and climate resiliency field schools in Mindanao the Philippines. World Development, 98, 214-230. doi: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2017.04.028
McNamara, Karen E., Westoby, Ross and Smithers, Scott G. (2017). Identification of limits and barriers to climate change adaptation: case study of two islands in Torres Strait, Australia. Geographical Research, 55 (4), 438-455. doi: 10.1111/1745-5871.12242
Climate-induced migration: Exploring local perspectives in Kiribati
Allgood, Lacey and McNamara, Karen E. (2017). Climate-induced migration: Exploring local perspectives in Kiribati. Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography, 38 (3), 370-385. doi: 10.1111/sjtg.12202
Chandra, Alvin, McNamara, Karen E., Dargusch, Paul, Caspe, Ana Maria and Dalabajan, Dante (2017). Gendered vulnerabilities of smallholder farmers to climate change in conflict-prone areas: a case study from Mindanao, Philippines. Journal of Rural Studies, 50, 45-59. doi: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2016.12.011
Community-based climate change adaptation: a review of academic literature
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth and Buggy, Lisa (2017). Community-based climate change adaptation: a review of academic literature. Local Environment, 22 (4), 443-460. doi: 10.1080/13549839.2016.1216954
Last chance tourism and the Great Barrier Reef
Piggott-McKellar, Annah E. and McNamara, Karen E. (2017). Last chance tourism and the Great Barrier Reef. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 25 (3), 397-415. doi: 10.1080/09669582.2016.1213849
Resisting a ‘doomed’ fate: an analysis of the Pacific climate warriors
McNamara, Karen E. and Farbotko, Carol (2017). Resisting a ‘doomed’ fate: an analysis of the Pacific climate warriors. Australian Geographer, 48 (1), 17-26. doi: 10.1080/00049182.2016.1266631
The relevance of political ecology perspectives for smallholder Climate-Smart Agriculture: a review
Chandra, Alvin, McNamara, Karen and Dargusch, Paul (2017). The relevance of political ecology perspectives for smallholder Climate-Smart Agriculture: a review. Journal of Political Ecology, 24, 821-942.
Chandra, Alvin, Dargusch, Paul and McNamara, Karen E. (2016). How might adaptation to climate change by smallholder farming communities contribute to climate change mitigation outcomes? A case study from Timor-Leste, Southeast Asia. Sustainability Science, 11 (3), 477-492. doi: 10.1007/s11625-016-0361-9
Belmar, Yasa N., McNamara, Karen E. and Morrison, Tiffany H. (2016). Water security in small island developing states: The limited utility of evolving governance paradigms. WIREs Water, 3 (2), 181-193. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1129
Insecure hope: the challenges faced by urban slum dwellers in Bhola Slum, Bangladesh
McNamara, Karen E., Olson, Laura L. and Rahman, Md. Ashiqu (2016). Insecure hope: the challenges faced by urban slum dwellers in Bhola Slum, Bangladesh. Migration and Development, 5 (1), 1-15. doi: 10.1080/21632324.2015.1082231
Resolving the UNFCCC divide on climate-smart agriculture
Chandra, Alvin, McNamara, Karen E., Dargusch, Paul, Damen, Beau, Rioux, Janie, Dallinger, Jonas and Bacudo, Imelda (2016). Resolving the UNFCCC divide on climate-smart agriculture. Carbon Management, 7 (5), 295-299. doi: 10.1080/17583004.2016.1235420
Buggy, Lisa and McNamara, Karen Elizabeth (2016). The need to reinterpret “community” for climate change adaptation: a case study of Pele Island, Vanuatu. Climate and Development, 8 (3), 270-280. doi: 10.1080/17565529.2015.1041445
Being(s) framed: the means and ends of framing environmental migrants
Ransan-Cooper, Hedda, Farbotko, Carol, McNamara, Karen E., Thornton, Fanny and Chevalier, Emilie (2015). Being(s) framed: the means and ends of framing environmental migrants. Global Environmental Change, 35, 106-115. doi: 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2015.07.013
McNamara, Karen E., Lisimoni-Togahai, Birtha and Smith, Roy (2015). ‘Our kids don’t want to eat taro anymore’: unravelling the challenges of contemporary sociocultural change in Niue. Journal of New Zealand and Pacific Studies, 3 (2), 167-182. doi: 10.1386/nzps.3.2.167_1
Planning for community relocations due to climate change in Fiji
McNamara, Karen E. and Des Combes, Helene Jacot (2015). Planning for community relocations due to climate change in Fiji. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 6 (3), 315-319. doi: 10.1007/s13753-015-0065-2
Cross-border migration with dignity in Kiribati
McNamara, Karen E. (2015). Cross-border migration with dignity in Kiribati. Forced Migration Review, 49, 62-62.
Dengue and climate change: exploring the relationships and risks in Fiji
Oli, K. and McNamara, K.E. (2015). Dengue and climate change: exploring the relationships and risks in Fiji. Fiji Journal of Public Health, 4 (1), 1-7.
McNamara, K. E and Limalevu, L. E. (2015). Holistic, participatory and strategic: A vulnerability and adaptation assessment for Pacific communities faced with climate change. Journal of Pacific Studies, 35 (3), 28-39.
Livelihood resilience in the face of climate change
Tanner, Thomas, Lewis, David, Wrathall, David, Bronen, Robin, Cradock-Henry, Nick, Huq, Saleemul, Lawless, Chris, Nawrotzki, Raphael, Prasad, Vivek, Rahman, Md. Ashiqur, Alaniz, Ryan, King, Katherine, McNamara, Karen, Nadiruzzaman, Md., Henly-Shepard,Sarah and Thomalla, Frank (2015). Livelihood resilience in the face of climate change. Nature Climate Change, 1 (5), 23-26. doi: 10.1038/nclimate2431
Exploring loss and damage at the international climate change talks
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth (2014). Exploring loss and damage at the international climate change talks. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 5 (3), 242-246. doi: 10.1007/s13753-014-0023-4
Smith, Roy and McNamara, Karen E. (2014). Future migrations from Tuvalu and Kiribati: exploring government, civil society and donor perceptions. Climate and Development, 7 (1), 47-59. doi: 10.1080/17565529.2014.900603
Coping with extreme weather: communities in Fiji and Vanuatu share their experiences and knowledge
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth and Prasad, Shirleen S. (2014). Coping with extreme weather: communities in Fiji and Vanuatu share their experiences and knowledge. Climatic Change, 123 (2), 121-132. doi: 10.1007/s10584-013-1047-2
Ironies of globalisation: observations from Fiji and Kiribati
McNamara, Karen E. and Westoby, Ross (2014). Ironies of globalisation: observations from Fiji and Kiribati. The Journal of Pacific Studies, 34 (2), 53-62.
Taking stock of community-based climate-change adaptation projects in the Pacific
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth (2013). Taking stock of community-based climate-change adaptation projects in the Pacific. Asia Pacific Viewpoint, 54 (3), 398-405. doi: 10.1111/apv.12033
Westoby, Ross and McNamara, Karen Elizabeth (2013). The challenges of doing development research consulting in the Pacific: from pre-departure to fieldwork and back in the office. Development (Basingstoke), 56 (3), 363-369. doi: 10.1057/dev.2014.2
A state of emergency: how local businesses experienced the 2012 flood in Fiji
McNamara, Karen E. (2013). A state of emergency: how local businesses experienced the 2012 flood in Fiji. Australian Journal of Emergency Management, 28 (3), 17-23.
Climate change and tourism editorial
Prideaux, Bruce, McKercher, Bob and McNamara, Karen Elizabeth (2013). Climate change and tourism editorial. Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, 18 (1-2), 1-3. doi: 10.1080/10941665.2012.688508
Prideaux, Bruce, McKercher, Bob and McNamara, Karen Elizabeth (2013). Modelling a tourism response to climate change using a four stage problem definition and response framework. Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, 18 (1-2), 165-182. doi: 10.1080/10941665.2012.688516
Raising awareness about climate change in Pacific communities
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth (2013). Raising awareness about climate change in Pacific communities. Environmental Education Research, 19 (6), 864-871. doi: 10.1080/13504622.2013.769046
Turning a global crisis into a tourism opportunity: the perspective from Tuvalu
Prideaux, Bruce and McNamara, Karen Elizabeth (2013). Turning a global crisis into a tourism opportunity: the perspective from Tuvalu. International Journal of Tourism Research, 15 (6), 583-594. doi: 10.1002/jtr.1883
Prideaux, Bruce, McNamara, Karen Elizabeth and Sakata, Hana (2012). Viable yet protected for future generations? An examination of the extensive forest-based tourism market. Turismo em Análise, 23 (3), 575-599.
The irony of tourism: visitor reflections of their impacts on Australia’s World Heritage rainforest
Prideaux, Bruce, McNamara, Karen Elizabeth and Thompson, Michelle (2012). The irony of tourism: visitor reflections of their impacts on Australia’s World Heritage rainforest. Journal of Ecotourism, 11 (2), 102-117. doi: 10.1080/14724049.2012.683006
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth and Gibson, Chris (2012). Mobilité humaine et changement environnemental: une analyse historique et textuelle de la politique des Nations Unies. Cultures et Conflits, 88, 43-60.
Local knowledge and climate change adaptation on Erub Island, Torres Strait
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth and Westoby, Ross (2011). Local knowledge and climate change adaptation on Erub Island, Torres Strait. Local Environment, 16 (9), 887-901. doi: 10.1080/13549839.2011.615304
Planning nature-based hiking trails in a tropical rainforest setting
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth and Prideaux, Bruce (2011). Planning nature-based hiking trails in a tropical rainforest setting. Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, 16 (3), 289-305. doi: 10.1080/10941665.2011.572665
Solastalgia and the gendered nature of climate change: An example from Erub Island, Torres Strait
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth and Westoby, Ross (2011). Solastalgia and the gendered nature of climate change: An example from Erub Island, Torres Strait. EcoHealth, 8 (2), 233-236. doi: 10.1007/s10393-011-0698-6
Experiencing 'natural' heritage
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth and Prideaux, Bruce (2011). Experiencing 'natural' heritage. Current Issues in Tourism, 14 (1), 47-55. doi: 10.1080/13683500.2010.492852
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth and McNamara, John Patrick (2011). Using participatory action research to share knowledge of the local environment and climate change: case study of Erub Island, Torres Strait. The Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, 40 (1), 30-39. doi: 10.1375/ajie.40.30
A typology of solo independent women travellers
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth and Prideaux, Bruce (2010). A typology of solo independent women travellers. International Journal of Tourism Research, 12 (3), 253-264. doi: 10.1002/jtr.751
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth and Prideaux, Bruce (2010). Reading, learning and enacting: interpretation at visitor sites in the wet tropics rainforest of Australia. Environmental Education Research, 16 (2), 173-188. doi: 10.1080/13504620903486412
Assessing tourists’ perceptions of climate change on mountain landscapes
Prideaux, B., Coghlan, A. and McNamara, K. E. (2010). Assessing tourists’ perceptions of climate change on mountain landscapes. Tourism Recreation Research, 35 (2), 187-199. doi: 10.1080/02508281.2010.11081633
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth and Gibson, Chris (2009). 'We do not want to leave our land': Pacific ambassadors at the United Nations resist the category of 'climate refugees'. Geoforum, 40 (3), 475-483. doi: 10.1016/j.geoforum.2009.03.006
McNamara, Karen E. (2009). Voices from the margins: Pacific ambassadors and the geopolitics of marginality at the United Nations. Asia Pacific Viewpoint, 50 (1), 1-12. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8373.2009.01376.x
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth and Gibson, Chris (2008). Environmental Sustainability in practice? A macro-scale profile of tourist accommodation facilities in Australia's coastal zone. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 16 (1), 85-100. doi: 10.2167/jost621.0
Pragmatic discourses and alternative resistance: responses to climate change in the Pacific
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth (2008). Pragmatic discourses and alternative resistance: responses to climate change in the Pacific. Graduate Journal of Asia-Pacific Studies, 6 (2), 33-54.
Conceptualizing discourses on environmental refugees at the United Nations
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth (2007). Conceptualizing discourses on environmental refugees at the United Nations. Population and Environment, 29 (1), 12-24. doi: 10.1007/s11111-007-0058-1
Non-economic loss and damage: insights from the Pacific Islands
Clissold, Rachel, McNamara, Karen E., Westoby, Ross and Chandra, Alvin (2021, 09 23). Non-economic loss and damage: insights from the Pacific Islands Climate Analytics
Thornton, Fanny, James, Sharon, Dun, Olivia, Farbotko, Carol, McNamara, Karon E., McMichael, Celia, Coelho, Sabira, Kim, Rosa Minju, Ngo, Ly and Westbury, Tim (2021). Policy developments and options to address human mobility in the context of climate risk in the Pacific Islands region . Pacific Climate Change Migration and Human Security: Policy Brief Series Suva, Fiji: International Organization for Migration.
How to heal in the Anthropocene
Clissold, Rachel, Westoby, Ross and McNamara, Karen E. (2021, 04 22). How to heal in the Anthropocene BBC Future
Beyond ‘community’: looking to Vanuatu for alternative entry points to adaptation
Clissold, Rachel, McNamara, Karen and Westoby, Ross (2020, 12 08). Beyond ‘community’: looking to Vanuatu for alternative entry points to adaptation Devpolicy Blog
Fail forward is necessary in our responses to climate change
McNamara, K. E., Clissold, R. and Westoby, R. (2020, 11 20). Fail forward is necessary in our responses to climate change Behavioural and Social Sciences at Nature Research
Are we getting it right? Community-based climate change adaptation in the Pacific
McNamara, K. E. and Clissold, R. (2020, 06 30). Are we getting it right? Community-based climate change adaptation in the Pacific Behavioural and Social Sciences at Nature Research
Their fate isn’t sealed: Pacific nations can survive climate change – if locals take the lead
Clissold, Rachel, Piggott-McKellar, Annah, McNamara, Karen E., Nunn, Patrick D., Kumar, Roselyn and Westoby, Ross (2020, 06 30). Their fate isn’t sealed: Pacific nations can survive climate change – if locals take the lead The Conversation
Scholarship students and COVID-19
McNamara, Karen, Dunn, Olivia, Farbotko, Carol, McMichael, Celia and Thornton, Fanny (2020, 06 26). Scholarship students and COVID-19 Devpolicy Blog
Courage and justice: key ingredients for responding to climate change
McNamara, Karen and Westoby, Ross (2020, 06 04). Courage and justice: key ingredients for responding to climate change Behavioural and Social Sciences at Nature Research
Women as recovery enablers: listening to ni-Vanuatu market vendors
Clissold, Rachel , McNamara, Karen and Westoby, Ross (2020, 06 02). Women as recovery enablers: listening to ni-Vanuatu market vendors Devpolicy Blog
Immobilised Solomon Islands seasonal workers
Dunn, Olivia , McNamara, Karen, Farbotko, Carol, McMichael, Celia and Thornton, Fanny (2020, 05 29). Immobilised Solomon Islands seasonal workers Devpolicy Blog
Policy Brief: The need for community-led adaptation in the Pacific Islands
McNamara, K. E., Clissold, R., Westoby, R., Piggott-McKellar, A., Kumar, R., Clarke, T., Watson, J. E. M. , Jupiter, S., Chisholm, M., Namoumou, F., Areki, F., Joseph, E., Warrick, O. and Nunn, P. D. (2020). Policy Brief: The need for community-led adaptation in the Pacific Islands. Brisbane, QLD Australia: University of Queensland.
Piggott-McKellar, Annah, McNamara, Karen E. and Nunn, Patrick D. (2019, 04 30). Climate change forced these Fijian communities to move – and with 80 more at risk, here’s what they learned The Conversation
Conducive and hindering factors for effective disaster risk reduction in Emae Island, Vanuatu
Jackson, Guy, McNamara, Karen E. and Witt, Bradd (2019). Conducive and hindering factors for effective disaster risk reduction in Emae Island, Vanuatu. Geneva: UNISDR Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Loss and damage from climate change
McNamara, K. E. and Jackson, G. (2018, 12 25). Loss and damage from climate change Advanced Science News
Farbotko, Carol, McMichael, Celia, Dun, Olivia, Ransan-Cooper, Hedda, McNamara, Karen E. and Thornton, Fanny (2018, 09 14). A world on the move APPS Policy Forum
Adams, Helen and McNamara, Karen E. (2018, 03 17). Climate change mitigation and adaptation of the poor: A call for decolonial responses to climate change Uneven Earth
Panacea for the Pacific? Evaluating community-based climate change adaptation
Clissold, Rachel, Clark, Tahlia, Priebbenow, Benjamin and McNamara, Karen E. (2018, 02 22). Panacea for the Pacific? Evaluating community-based climate change adaptation New Security Beat
Climate change in the Pacific: are community-based adaptation efforts working?
McNamara, Karen and Watson, James (2017, 12 07). Climate change in the Pacific: are community-based adaptation efforts working? IAPS Dialogue: The online magazine of the Institute of Asia and Pacific Studies, University of Nottingham, UK
Environment and migration experts: who are they, and what are their views?
McNamara, Karen, Farbotko, Carol, Thornton, Fanny, Dun, Olivia, Ransan-Cooper, Hedda, Chevalier, Emilie and Lkhagvasuren, Purevdulam (2017). Environment and migration experts: who are they, and what are their views?. Policy Brief Series Geneva, Switzerland: International Organization for Migration.
In Philippines, climate change and conflict both conspire against rural women
Chandra, Alvin and McNamara, Karen Elizabeth (2017, 07 25). In Philippines, climate change and conflict both conspire against rural women The Conversation
Policy Brief: Vulnerability and vulnerable groups in Laamu Atoll, Maldives
McNamara, K. E., Clissold, R., Piggott-McKellar, A. and Azfa, A. (2017). Policy Brief: Vulnerability and vulnerable groups in Laamu Atoll, Maldives. Brisbane, QLD Australia: University of Queensland.
Socio-economic Baseline Study of Kayangel State. PICRC Technical Report 16-11
Koshiba, Shirley, McNamara, Karen E., Gouezo, Marine, Otto, Evelyn and Jonathan, Randa (2016). Socio-economic Baseline Study of Kayangel State. PICRC Technical Report 16-11. PICRC Technical Report Koror, Palau: Palau International Coral Reef Center.
Socio-economic Baseline Study of Ngchesar State. PICRC Technical Report 16-10
Koshiba, Shirley, McNamara, Karen E., Gouezo, Marine, Otto, Evelyn and Jonathan, Randa (2016). Socio-economic Baseline Study of Ngchesar State. PICRC Technical Report 16-10. PICRC Technical Report Koror, Palau: Palau International Coral Reef Center.
Survey: two-thirds of Great Barrier Reef tourists want to ‘see it before it’s gone’
Piggott-McKellar, Annah and McNamara, Karen Elizabeth (2016, 08 15). Survey: two-thirds of Great Barrier Reef tourists want to ‘see it before it’s gone’ The Conversation
Socio-economic Baseline Study of Peleliu State. PICRC Technical Report 16-08
Koshiba, Shirley, McNamara, Karen E., Gouezo, Marine, Otto, Evelyn, Jonathan, Randa and Kloulechad, Vallin (2016). Socio-economic Baseline Study of Peleliu State. PICRC Technical Report 16-08. PICRC Technical Report Koror, Palau: Palau International Coral Reef Center.
Socio-economic Baseline Study of Ngaraard State. PICRC Technical Report 16-07
Koshiba, Shirley, McNamara, Karen E., Gouezo, Marine, Otto, Evelyn and Jonathan, Randa (2016). Socio-economic Baseline Study of Ngaraard State. PICRC Technical Report 16-07. PICRC Technical Report Koror, Palau: Palau International Coral Reef Center.
Socio-economic Baseline Study of Ngiwal State. PICRC Technical Report 16-09
Koshiba, Shirley, McNamara, Karen E., Gouezo, Marine, Otto, Evelyn and Jonathan, Randa (2016). Socio-economic Baseline Study of Ngiwal State. PICRC Technical Report 16-09. PICRC Technical Report Koror, Palau: Palau International Coral Reef Center.
McNamara, K. E. and Buggy, L. (2016). Inception Report: Measuring the progress of the LECReD programme to reduce vulnerability to climate change in Laamu Atoll, Maldives. Brisbane QLD Australia: University of Queensland.
McNamara, K. E. and Buggy, L. (2016). Vulnerability Reduction Assessment Methodology: Measuring the progress of the LECReD programme to reduce vulnerability to climate change in Laamu Atoll, Maldives. Brisbane QLD Australia: University of Queensland.
Vulnerability and vulnerable groups: Baseline, indicators and assessments for Laamu Atoll, Maldives
McNamara, K. E., Clissold, R., Piggott-McKellar, A. and Buggy, L. (2016). Vulnerability and vulnerable groups: Baseline, indicators and assessments for Laamu Atoll, Maldives. Brisbane QLD Australia: University of Queensland.
Risk begets more risk: how rural-urban migration can bring an insecure hope
McNamara, K. E. and Olson, L. L. (2015, 11 30). Risk begets more risk: how rural-urban migration can bring an insecure hope United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security
Ayeb-Karlsson S , Tanner T , van der Geest K, Warner K, Adams H, Ahmedi I, Alaniz R, Andrei S, Barthelt C, Bhargava M, Bronen R, Contreras DM, Cradock-Henry N, Fernando N, Henly-Shepard S, Huq S, Lawless C, Lewis D, Loster T, McNamara K and Milan A, Mitchell T, Nawrotzki R, Olson L, Prasad V, Rahman A, Rhyner J, Rivera Sosa A, Sietz D, de Souza R-M, Thomalla F, Tellman E, Vivo G, Williams C, Wrathall D and Zommers Z (2015). Livelihood resilience in a changing world: 6 global policy recommendations for a more sustainable future. Working Paper Series Bonn, Germany: United Nations University Institute of Environment and Human Security.
Climate change responses: mitigation and adaptation for whom?
Adams, H. and McNamara, K. E. (2015). Climate change responses: mitigation and adaptation for whom?. *:
Adams, Helen, Alaniz, Ryan, Bronen, Robin and McNamara, Karen (2015). Maintaining and building ‘place’ through managed and forced community relocations: Lessons for a climate changed world. UNU-EHS Working Paper No. 16 Bonn, Germany.: United Nations University,.
Re-framing island nations as champions of resilience in the face of climate change and disaster risk
De Souza, Roger-Mark, Henly-Shepard, Sarah, McNamara, Karen and Fernando, Nishara (2015). Re-framing island nations as champions of resilience in the face of climate change and disaster risk. UNU-EHS Working Paper No. 17. Bonn, Germany: United Nations University.
Declaration for livelihood resilience, UN Climate Change Summit
Huq, S., Warner, K., Bronen, R., Alaniz, R., Henly-Shepard, S., Wrathall, D., McNamara, K., Loster, T., Barthelt, C., Adams, H., Tellman, E., Craddock-Henry, N., Andrei, S., Bhargava, M., Rivera Sosa, A., Rahman, A., Nawrotzki, R., Sietz, D., Olson, L., Lawless, C., Prasad, V., Thomalla, F., De Souza, R-M., van der Geest, K., Lewis, D. and Ayeb-Karlsson S (2014). Declaration for livelihood resilience, UN Climate Change Summit. Dhaka, Bangladesh: International Centre for Climate Change and Development.
Re-framing islands as champions of resilience
McNamara, Karen E., Henly-Shepard, Sarah, De Souza, Roger-Mark and Fernando, Nishara (2014, 09 02). Re-framing islands as champions of resilience outreach
Walkouts, roadblocks and compromise: Warsaw’s legacy
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth (2013, 11 25). Walkouts, roadblocks and compromise: Warsaw’s legacy The Conversation
Warsaw talks: Climate action is failing
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth (2013, 11 13). Warsaw talks: Climate action is failing The Conversation
Human rights and climate change: a fresh perspective
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth (2013, 10 16). Human rights and climate change: a fresh perspective The Conversation
Government discourses of climate change migration in Tuvalu and Kiribati
Smith, Roy and McNamara, Karen E. (2013, 07 08). Government discourses of climate change migration in Tuvalu and Kiribati Asia-Pacific Migration and Environment Network
Valuing Indigenous Knowledge for climate change adaptation planning in Fiji and Vanuatu
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth and Prasad, Shirleen Shomila (2013, 07 01). Valuing Indigenous Knowledge for climate change adaptation planning in Fiji and Vanuatu Traditional Knowledge Bulletin
One more chance at getting it right? The UN sustainable development goals
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth (2013, 04 15). One more chance at getting it right? The UN sustainable development goals The Conversation
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth and Lisimoni-Togahai, Birtha (2012). 'Our kids don't want to eat taro anymore': exploring cultural shift challenges for Niue in a climate changed and globalised world. PACE-SD Occasional Paper No. 2012/1 Suva, Fiji: Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, The University of the South Pacific.
McNamara, Karen E., Vave, Fane, Westoby, Ross and Prasad, Shirleen (2012). Developing a 'Millennium Village' in the Pacific: feasibility, interventions and challenges. Final report to the United Nations Development Programme. Suva, Fiji: Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, The University of the South Pacific.
PACE-SD guidebook: participatory vulnerability and adaptation assessment
Limalevu, L and McNamara, K. E. (2012). PACE-SD guidebook: participatory vulnerability and adaptation assessment. Suva, Fiji: Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, The University of the South Pacific.
McNamara, Karen E., Hemstock, Sarah L. and Holland, Elisabeth A. (2012). Practices of climate change adaptation in the Pacific: survey of implementing agencies (Phase II). Final report to the European Union: Global Climate Change Alliance. Suva, Fiji: Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, The University of the South Pacific.
Exploring adaptive capacity to climate change: the development of a household survey
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth (2011). Exploring adaptive capacity to climate change: the development of a household survey. PACE-SD Occasional Paper No. 2011/1 Suva, Fiji: Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, The University of the South Pacific.
McNamara, Karen Elizabeth and Limalevu, Leone (2011). Contextualising livelihoods in a vulnerability and adaptation assessment: case study of Soso village, Fiji. PACE-SD Occasional Paper No. 2011/2 Suva, Fiji: Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, The University of the South Pacific.
McNamara, K. E., Smithers, S. G., Westoby, R. and Parnell, K. (2011). Limits to adaptation: limits to climate change adaptation for two low-lying communities in the Torres Strait. NCCARF Publication 07/12 Southport, QLD, Australia: National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF).
McNamara, Karen, Sibtain, Jonathan and Parnell, Kevin (2010). Documenting and sharing the seasonal calendar for Erub Island, Torres Strait. Final project report to the Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility. Cairns, QLD, Australia: Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (MTSRF).
McNamara, Karen, Westoby, Ross and Parnell, Kevin (2010). Elders' and Aunties' experiences of climate on Erub Island, Torres Strait. Final project report to the Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility. Cairns, QLD, Australia: Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (MTSRF).
Resilience in knowledge: unpacking adaptation strategies on Erub Island, Torres Strait
McNamara, Karen, Westoby, Ross and Parnell, Kevin (2010). Resilience in knowledge: unpacking adaptation strategies on Erub Island, Torres Strait. Cairns, QLD, Australia: Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (MTSRF).
Duce, Stephanie J., Parnell, Kevin E., Smithers, Scott G. and McNamara, Karen E. (2010). A synthesis of climate change and coastal science to support adaptation in the communities of the Torres Strait. MTSRF Research Report Series. Report 48 Cairns, QLD, Australia: Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (MTSRF).
Constructing the Torres Strait: report on policy, media and public opinion
McNamara, Karen E. and Parnell, Kevin E. (2010). Constructing the Torres Strait: report on policy, media and public opinion. MTSRF Final Project Reports Cairns, QLD, Australia: Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (MTSRF).
McNamara, Karen and Morseau, Fiona (2010). Assessing environmental research needs across three communities in the Torres Strait: synthesis report. Transition project final report. Transition Project 40: Assessing environmental research needs across the Torres Strait Cairns, QLD, Australia: Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (MTSRF).
Climate change and environmental degradation: impact on migration
McNamara, K. E. (2010). Climate change and environmental degradation: impact on migration. Paris, France: UNESCO.
How local knowledge is facilitating climate change adaptation in the Torres Strait
McNamara, K. E. (2010, 01 01). How local knowledge is facilitating climate change adaptation in the Torres Strait Greencross Australia
Remembering rights to land and culture in discussion of ‘climate refugees
McNamara, K. E. (2010, 01 01). Remembering rights to land and culture in discussion of ‘climate refugees Greencross Australia
Douglas community consultation: issues of concern 2009
Prideaux, Bruce, Sibtain, Jonathan and McNamara, Karen (2009). Douglas community consultation: issues of concern 2009. Cairns, QLD, Australia: Cairns Regional Council.
Shopping on Norfolk Island: 2008 survey
Prideaux, Bruce, McNamara, Karen and Blakeney, Kayla (2009). Shopping on Norfolk Island: 2008 survey. Norfolk Island, Australia: Norfolk Island Tourism.
McNamara, Karen and Prideaux, Bruce (2009). Rainforest Tourism second annual report: January-December 2008. Annual and quarterly patterns of rainforest tourism in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, North Queensland. MTSRF Research Report Series. Report 34 Cairns, QLD, Australia: Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (MTSRF).
McNamara, Karen and Prideaux, Bruce (2009). Tourist Exit Survey second annual report: January-December 2008. Annual and quarterly patterns of reef and rainforest tourism in North Queensland from exit surveys conducted at Cairns Domestic Airport. MTSRF Research Report Series. Report 35 Cairns, QLD, Australia: Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (MTSRF).
McNamara, Karen and Prideaux, Bruce (2008). Rainforest Tourism first annual report: January-December 2007. Annual and quarterly patterns of rainforest tourism in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, North Queensland. MTSRF Research Report Series. Report 16 Cairns, QLD, Australia: Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (MTSRF).
McNamara, Karen and Prideaux, Bruce (2008). Tourist Exit Survey first annual report: January-December 2007. Annual and quarterly patterns of reef and rainforest tourism in North Queensland from exit surveys conducted at Cairns Domestic Airport. MTSRF Research Report Series. Report 17 Cairns, QLD, Australia: Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (MTSRF).
Case study on climate change adaptation governance in the South Pacific
(2022) Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Climate change impacts and human rights in Vanuatu
(2022) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade, Republic of Vanuatu
Working through loss from climate change in the Pacific Islands
(2020–2024) ARC Future Fellowships
(2019–2022) University of Melbourne
Transformative human mobilities in a changing climate
(2019–2022) ARC Linkage Projects
(2018–2019) University of Melbourne
Optimising community-based climate change adaptation in the Pacific Islands
(2016–2020) ARC Linkage Projects
Assessing Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation in the Maldives
(2016–2017) United Nations Development Programme
Dr Karen McNamara - Maternity Funding (Advance Queensland Women's Academic Fund)
(2016–2017) Queensland Government Advance Queensland Women's Academic Fund
Socio-economic study of Palau's Protected Areas Network
(2015–2017) Palau International Coral Reef Center
Socio-economic study of Palau's Protected Areas Network
(2015) Palau International Coral Reef Center
(2014) UQ Early Career Researcher
Note for students: Professor Karen McNamara is not currently available to take on new students.
Centering local voices across planned relocations: case studies from Fiji
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Experiencing and working through climate-induced non-economic loss in Vanuatu
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Understanding and enhancing the adaptive capacity of market vendors in the Pacific: Experiences and lessons from Vanuatu
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
Ecosystem-based Adaptation to Climate Change in Tuvalu
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
Picturing climate migration: critiquing the visual discourse
Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Defining the planning and policy problem of climate change adaptation: A discursive analysis of multi-level governance frameworks
(2021) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
(2021) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
(2020) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
(2020) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
(2020) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
(2020) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
(2017) Doctor Philosophy — Joint Principal Advisor
(2017) Doctor Philosophy — Joint Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
Climate Change Adaptation Planning in Bangladesh: Gender, Participation, and Power
(2023) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
(2022) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
(2020) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
(2018) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Living with drought: a study of spatial mobility in semi-arid Northeast Brazil
(2016) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors: