photo: markg6 (creative commons)

Climate change is threatening the existence of indigenous tribes around the world, as the natural cycles they depend upon for survival are increasingly disrupted, and their ability to relocate is limited by space and money.  As we head toward major national and international decisions on climate change, the fate of these groups must be taken under great consideration as they are likely the first to suffer the consequences, yet lack the means to influence the global discussion.  Tribes like the Kamayurá of Brazil are already forced to cope with decimated fish stocks and disrupted agricultural patterns as the region has grown drier and hotter.  In the past many tribes could relocate to adapt to dramatic changes, but as the New York Times points out:

Land surrounding the natives is now usually occupied by an expanding global population, and once-nomadic groups have often settled down, building homes and schools and even declaring statehood.

Fortunately, action has been taken to help ensure that these tribes can prepare for the coming changes and not have to face the terrible threat of extinction.  This past spring delegates from tribes around the globe gathered for the Indigenous Peoples’ Global Summit On Climate Change, which provided a venue for groups to exchange ideas on how to adapt to the impacts of climate change and develop recommendations for the Climate Change conference in Denmark this December.  Hopefully that advice will be heeded and those groups in need will receive the assistance they need in order to cope with the growing threat.