Kenya: 2b Indigenous Peoples and their effects on climate change

Environment   Oct 18, 2017 by Yasmin Iidow

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

In this video indigenous people have the advantage of knowing the area around them and how to live off the land, this knowledge has been passed down through many generations but now since there are rising levels of CO2 and deforestation they need to learn how to adapt to the changing world around them eg. The animals can no longer guide some indigenous communities as their migration patterns have changed to more favourable climates. Their influence in the areas that surround then have increased due to programs such as REDD+ ("reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries”) which give them more control over what happens to them and the lands they live off.

What solutions to climate change does this video propose?

This video clearly shows that governments need to start taking action to reduce climate change as soon as possible; this include reduction of carbon emissions and joining the REDD+ program. This video also tackles the deforestation or forests and wildlife all over the world, it gives indigenous communities a change to know and be aware of the changes as well as allowing them to have their voices heard.

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 the indigenous communities in this video is is very specific to the communities who live in forest dense but what about those who live in dryer climates or colder climates. For example, the indigenous Alaskan tribes; how will REDD+ affect them and the melting ice caps. How will these changes proposed help them find new places to hunt and give them the longer winters they need. This needs to represent all indigenous communities rather than a small handful, we need to solution that will help all communities tackle climate change together.

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.

Indigenous people have less of a standing both socially and politically as they usually follow their own cultures and traditions, rather than following the mainstream way of life. This puts them in a difficult position where they don’t play into the political dynamics of their respective governments which could sadly lead to their very important voices not being heard. But on the other hand, by taking indigenous perspectives of climate change seriously we can know more about the environment and its history through what has been passed down between them for so many generations.

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