Blogs
Canada: 2b. Indigenous responses to climate change.
How is this representation of climate change similar to the other things you’ve read/viewed? How is different?
This video is very similar to other articles and videos I have read online because it talks about the buildup of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere and how droughts and floods are caused by this issues. This video is different from other articles because it talks about what governments are currently doing to resolve this issue and gives us a sense of hope which lacks in many other reports on this matter.
Where do you see the influence of Indigenous peoples in this video? Where is it missing?
I see the influence of indigenous people throughout the whole video. Especially when the man talks about how they are the ones who are truly being impacted by climate change. I strongly believe that many Indigenous people would feel this way because of how climate change is affecting their tradition, history and identity. I believe that this video included the influence of Indigenous of the forest but lacks the influence of other Indigenous people, such as the ones who live in the desert or in the arctic.
What solutions to climate change does this video propose?
The solution to climate change that his video proposes is to mainly put a price on carbon emissions and to make it more valuable for forest to be left alone, for taking out CO2 in the air, than to be cut down. The solutions focuses on changing the government's policies rather than changing people's consumption behaviors, which I believe is a more effective solution.
Do you agree with the representation of Indigenous peoples and climate change action in the video? Why or why not?
As I've mentioned I believe that this is an accurate representation for Indigenous people that live in the forest but neglects the views of other Indigenous people. In my opinion I believe that it should not be titled Indigenous people and climate change as it only focuses on the effects of climate change to a certain kind of Indigenous culture.
What are the opportunities and challenges in taking seriously Indigenous perspectives of climate change?
The opportunities of taking Indigenous peoples perspective would allow us to be able to find a solution to climate change. Indigenous people believe in maintaining a good relationship with the earth and that means giving back to it. They understand how to maintain a sustainable world from their ancestors knowledge and experience. Also it would enable many to people to have a good quality of life because many Indigenous people are able to keep their identity, tradition and cultures which is vital for their well-being. Some of the challenges would be for governments to actually listen to their perspectives. Many governments focus on their own self wants and overlook Indigenous peoples needs. Not only would it be hard to influence to the government's perspective but also the general public. There are many people who’s job’s contribute to climate change and would be against Indigenous people’s views.
