Commonality among unique indigenous communities: an introduction to climate change and its impacts on indigenous peoples

Abstract

This book explores how climate change affects the rights of indigenous peoples.Climate change is a global environmental problem caused by greenhouse gas emissions.Although the causes of this problem are global, the adverse impacts of climate change are disproportionately burdening indigenous peoples.In recognition of the growing global problem of climate change, legal strategies to address climate change through mitigation and adaptation have been undertaken. 1 This book recognizes that indigenous peoples are particularly vulnerable to climate change, both physically and legally, and addresses the challenges that these communities face in responding to climate change impacts.The term 'indigenous peoples' covers a widely diverse group of people within which no two communities of indigenous peoples are the same.Nevertheless, there are some commonalities that exist between groups of indigenous peoples.For example, most indigenous communities existed as autonomous communities and nations before contact with foreign societies.As a result of contact with foreign, dominant societies, many indigenous communities suffered generations of abuse and subjugation.1 Increasingly, the focus of international climate change responses is on adaptation strategies.However, 'the adaptation strategy is deficient because it sees climate change as inevitable and implies that the only choice is to adapt to climate change or perish'.Rebecca Tsosie, 'Indigenous People and Environmental Justice: The Impact of Climate Change', 78 U. Colo.L. Rev.

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