Written by Sophie Jongma
Despite accounting for only 5% of the global population, Indigenous Peoples are responsible for the safeguarding of around 80% of the world’s biodiversity. They are distinct social and cultural groups who share collective ancestral ties to the lands where they live or from which they have been displaced, for example due to colonialism. Their land and natural resources are important sources for their identities, cultures, livelihoods, and their physical and spiritual well-being. However, their livelihoods and environments are under threat.
Political and Economic Threats
Indigenous Peoples face many hardships, not in the least by local governments, who often deny communities formal and legal recognition over their lands and resources. Governments sell exploitation rights to certain areas, without acknowledging they belong to Indigenous People. Even if their territories are recognized officially, in practice, their boundaries and natural resources are often poorly protected by the state. This makes them vulnerable to illegal economic exploitations by corporations who seek to cut down the rainforest, for example to create roaming areas for cattle. One crucial consequence of this deforestation is environmental degradation. As a result, Indigenous People’s access to some traditional gathering areas for food and medicine are restricted, which poses a threat to the survival of the culture and vital knowledge systems. Their knowledge systems contribute greatly to the ecological integrity, biodiversity and environmental health of their areas. Furthermore, because they are often ill-represented in local politics, they cannot properly fight against these injustices to their land. In times of instability, not being able to take legal justice for granted, is another heavy blow to their livelihoods and leaves them vulnerable to exploitation.
“We all breathe this one air, we all drink the same water. We all live on this one planet. We need to protect the Earth. If we don’t, the big winds will come and destroy the forest. Then you will feel the fear that we feel” - Raoni Metuktire, an Indigenous activist and chief of the Kayapó community in Brazil.
The Threat of Rising Temperatures
Not just the direct economic actions are affecting Indigenous Peoples. Food shortages are more common because some important and nutritious resources do not grow (sufficiently) due to global warming. Droughts and fires are more common, destroying their communities further and forcing them to relocate. Even their physical health is affected by climate change, according to Indigenous communities in the Brazilian Amazon. For instance, previously controlled diseases such as the measles and yellow fever are reappearing. Menstrual cycles are also beginning at an earlier age due to the rising temperatures or air pollution of Amazon fires. The fires are further causing strong headaches, eye irritation and respiratory problems. Children and elders need to be taken to the hospital frequently.
Involved in Fighting Climate Change
The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs stated that “Climate change poses threats and dangers to the survival of Indigenous communities worldwide, even though Indigenous peoples contribute the least to greenhouse gas emissions.” In recent years, communities in different countries have become important experts on climate action plans, for example in the US State of California. In Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru, Indigenous communities are paid for their environmental services in their territories. This is greatly reducing deforestation and may eventually contribute to protecting their livelihoods. However, these efforts need to be accompanied by substantive and urgent climate action from states and companies to protect Indigenous livelihoods.
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