Canada: 2b. Pre-Bilateral - Indigenous responses to climate change

Environment   Sep 23, 2017 by Julia Chung

How is this representation of climate change similar to the other things you’ve read/viewed? How is different?

The Indigenous elder in the video well explains and summarizes the factors that trigger climate change. He emphasizes the wrong doings of the industrialized countries, and that they are guilty for creating carbon emission. The extra carbon traps the sunlight, causing a greenhouse effect, which ultimately heats the globe, leading to climate change. They also should include other gases/chemicals that hasten climate change, notably CFCs, nitrous oxide, flourinated gases, and etc, as carbon dioxide is not the only factor that triggers climate change. 

Where do you see the influence of Indigenous peoples in this video? Where is it missing?

The flow of the video is by an Indigenous elder and the Indigenous asking questions to him, which demonstrates clear influence of this group. I do not see where Indigenous influence does not reach in here. 

What solutions to climate change does this video propose?

The video talks about REDD+, which stands for Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation. The REDD+ agreement states that payment will be given to developing countries to not cut down their forests, but to keep them from taking out the carbon dioxide in the air, and to not create carbon dioxide by cutting them down. REDD+ also hopes to bring back traditional plants and animals, develop the forest, and reduce poverty in areas that'll take place. The industrialized countries would have to realize that they need to pay in order to keep the forests, and as well as their emission of carbon dioxide. FPIC, which stands for Free Prior Informed Consent, underscores the importance of the Indigenous working with governments. Here, the Indigenous have to make sure that they receive answers to all questions or concerns they have, as their participation might alter the environment. They also have to make sure that their decision represents their own well-being and common interests of the world. 

Do you agree with the representation of Indigenous peoples and climate change action in the video? Why or why not?

I agree with the representation of Indigenous peoples and climate change. The video talks about Indigenous rights of their land, territories, resources, as well as their traditional livelihoods. Just like my answer in question 2 above, the flow of the video is led by an Indigenous elder, which clearly represents the opinions of the Indigenous. For the representation of climate change, though I agree the industrialized countries are responsible for much of emission of carbon dioxide in the video, it would have been better if they included other factors such as increased livestock farming (specifically methane emission by the cows).  

What are the opportunities and challenges in taking seriously Indigenous perspectives of climate change? Consider factors that facilitate or hinder ethical responses to climate change, including social and economic inequities, political dynamics, marginalization, discrimination, state, military/police power, etc.

Not all countries ensure the rights of the Indigenous- it depends on the political structure of that following country the Indigenous resides in. Other factors, such as discrimination against the Indigenous and economic barriers are also an obstacle for difficult communication with politicians and entrepreneurs. Especially if the country is undergoing military dictatorship- or worse, persecuted by secret police. In majority of the countries, the Indigenous are the minority, with their opinions mostly ignored or forgotten. I remember a quote from an Indigenous girl that she'll just be a native statistic if she is killed by a non-Indigenous. However, it's time to change. Their rights must be ensured and protected by all governments. By agreeing to REDD+ and FPIC, the voices of the Indigenous must be heard loud and clear. 

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