Idyllic No More – Pacific Island Climate, Corruption and Development Dilemmas

“When it comes to understanding contemporary Oceania, few observers have as clear a vision or as warm a heart as Giff Johnson. The veteran island journalist isn’t distracted by either the postcard pretty views of the islands found in many regional stories, or the dire “end is near” reporting that has come to characterize outside journalism’s more recent view of the Pacific. Rather, he frames a view of the Pacific Islands that’s characterized by hard-edge realism while offering a way forward, too. “Idyllic No More” is a bracing look at where the islands are today, and what it will take to build a future of hope and opportunity for islanders across the region.”

—Floyd K. Takeuchi, Veteran Oceania journalist

“Analyzing Pacific Island nations and their issues with integrity, respect and accuracy is a monumental task for any journalist. Because of Giff Johnson’s decades of experienced reporting about the Marshall Islands and Micronesia, his inside look at the world of island governments and people is both enlightening and thought provoking: And best of all, he offers practical solutions to what are often times very complex problems.”

—Jack Niedenthal, Bikini Atoll Trust Liaison and President of Microwave Films