Climate Change Response of Indigenous People

A report published by the Institute of Tribal Environmental Professionals at Northern Arizona University shows how Indigenous Nations respond to climate change.

The 300+ page report, ‘The Status of Tribes and Climate Change Report,’ discusses the science of climate change and weaves personal stories from tribal members about how they adapt to and cope with its impacts.

These stories from tribal members of the Indigenous peoples of North America are essential because they highlight their Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). The report combines the traditional knowledge of the Indigenous people with the Western science perspective to help tribal members respond to climate change.

Indigenous people are on the frontlines of climate change and climate adaptation. They possess incredible resilience and innovation, based on their Indigenous knowledge, worldviews, and strong connection to their land and environment, which have been passed on from countless generations.

However, many tribal communities are also experiencing severe climate change impacts like shifts or loss in key cultural species, land loss due to erosion, permafrost thaws, and flooding. These challenges are daunting, fuelled by the lack of funding, technical resources, and the painful experiences of colonialism and discrimination.

The report was authored by 90 people from diverse entities and perspectives. It includes 34 personal narratives and author teams that wrote topic reviews based on their own experiences, knowledge, and information from current literature.

The report seeks to honour and uplift the voices of Indigenous people across the United States to promote understanding of their tribal ways, cultures, and worldviews. It also shows the climate impacts they are experiencing and the solutions they are implementing—information that could help U.S. governments, NGOs, decision-makers, and organisations support Tribal communities with climate adaptation.

Indigenous peoples have a history of relating to human-caused climate change through land-use changes imposed on them by the actions of U.S. citizens and policymakers. Honouring indigenous knowledge systems means authorities must consult indigenous peoples meaningfully from the earliest policy and research development stages.

The report has 12 chapters. Each chapter contains a complete list of key messages and recommendations. It mentions, “Much like the interwoven nature of all the topics addressed in this report, the key messages and recommendations are interdependent and can be distilled into two themes: Respect and uphold Tribal sovereignty and self-determination and Integrate holistic responses in line with Tribal values.”

To read the entire report, click the link below: