Colonial dynamics limit climate adaptation in Oceania: Perspectives from the Marshall Islands

•The Marshall Islands is existentially threatened by climate change.•Colonial conduct–including past forced migrations–has increased Marshallese vulnerability to climate change.•Marshallese leaders wish to adapt in place to protect sovereignty and identity.•Persistent colonial dynamics work to divest Marshallese of sovereignty over adaptation.•Sovereignty over adaptation decision-making should be returned to Marshallese in order to prevent catastrophic loss.