The second volume of “The Status of Tribes and Climate Change” (STACC) reports was released in April 2025. This latest report builds on the findings of the 2021 report by providing updated information, highlighting emerging topics, and emphasising Indigenous-led initiatives.

STACC Volume 2 is distinctive because all its lead authors are Indigenous Peoples renowned for their contributions in academic, federal, and community sectors; the report intentionally emphasises the importance of Indigenous knowledge.

Volumes 1 and 2 aim to counteract the erasure of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in climate science. The report describes IKS as a reliable form of knowledge, data, and information inseparable from the intergenerational relationships, values, and practices of the plurality of Indigenous Peoples who originated them. Attempts to eradicate IP knowledge come through nonrepresentation, underrepresentation, and misrepresentation in climate change literature and reports.

Volume 2 of the STACC report highlights the voices and efforts of Indigenous Peoples, Nations, and Communities. It offers a platform within published literature for them to share their experiences regarding the impacts of climate change and the solutions they are implementing.

Indigenous peoples are disproportionately impacted by climate change. The report notes, “Various scientific studies have stated that Indigenous Peoples are the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. While this is most definitely the case, Indigenous Peoples are also the most resilient to the effects of climate change. Our Knowledge Systems, adaptation practices, and traditions have existed since immemorial. While aspects of our knowledge and traditions have been lost, we have acted upon the opportunity to relearn our Ancestors’ knowledge and are currently implementing cutting-edge climate change responses. These responses are accompanied by action to disrupt historic and ongoing colonial systems that perpetuate environmental harm, injustices, and the death of all our relations.”

The report features case studies, narratives, stories, and scholarly work demonstrating Indigenous climate resilience and how IKS is proven and effective in approaching climate change.

Below are chapters of the report

Chapter 1 – Historical, Political, Social, and Cultural Contexts discusses how Indigenous Peoples’ Knowledge Systems should be recognised to address human-caused climate change impacts and how historical trauma is a major aspect of how Indigenous Peoples are harmed by climate change.

Chapter 2 – Cultural Preservation and Revitalisation in the Face of Climate Change discusses how IKS offers a profound perspective on sustainability and ethics rooted in a deep, relational understanding of lands and communities. These philosophies challenge the dominant thinking by presenting holistic approaches to climate resilience that emphasise reciprocity, respect, and interconnectedness.

Chapter 3 – Water Justice. Indigenous peoples affirm inherent relationships for water protection through water declarations, laws, and policies.

Chapter 4 – Good Fire and Climate Change: The Return of Indigenous Fire Stewardship. Good Fire stewardship led by Indigenous Peoples has been practised over millennia and is proven sustainable and healthy for landscapes.

Chapter 5 – Seventh Generation: Youth Leaders in Climate Action. Indigenous Youth have especially been “otherised” because of the historical systematic disenfranchisement of Indigenous Peoples. However, Indigenous Youth can also make positive changes in climate action and resilience by recognising climate harms and working toward paths to healing, engaging in local and international climate activism, and utilising traditional teachings to indigenise Western academia and collaborative approaches to climate adaptation.

Chapter 6 – Political Challenges and Opportunities for Indigenous-Led Conservation. Tribal nations and Indigenous communities face diverse challenges and opportunities in managing Indian forests and island ecosystems and implementing wildlife management at different scales. Indigenous leadership, equitable funding, data sovereignty, and cultural preservation are crucial for addressing climate change and promoting Indigenous-led conservation.

Chapter 7 – Indigenous-Led Conservation. Indigenous practices and Knowledge Systems are essential for effective climate change mitigation. Indigenous traditional stewardship methods demonstrate proven track records in sustaining and preserving ecosystems, which are crucial for reducing global carbon emissions and enhancing biodiversity.

Chapter 8 – Indigenous Ways of Not Knowing. This chapter captures Indigenous Knowledge’s essence and ingrained values of humility, gratitude, and trust. It invites readers to move beyond Indigenous ways of knowing to include Indigenous ways of not knowing, emphasising the importance of embracing the state of not knowing.

Download and read the Status of Tribes & Climate Change Report Volume 2, 2025

Source:

Status of Tribes and Climate Change Working Group. (2025). Status of Tribes and Climate Change, Vol. 2 (B. M. Panek, Ed.). Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, Northern Arizona University. http://nau.edu/staccreport