Dr Katerina Teaiwa, a Fiji-born anthropologist at the Australian Catholic University, discusses her visit the island of Banaba, east of Nauru. Once beautiful and rich in phosphate (used in fertilising), mining has damaged the landscape.

Phosphate exports to Australia and elsewhere helped short-term economic gains for companies, but has ruined the island which can no longer support agriculture. In her book, Consuming Ocean Island, Dr Teaiwa wants consumers to better understand how their choices impact on the livelihood and environment outside their backyard.

I think it is important for humanity to think about what the trade-off is for all of these things we take for granted.

– Dr Katerina Teaiwa