• About us
  • GSDRC Publications
  • Research Helpdesk
  • E-Bulletin
  • Privacy policy

GSDRC

Governance, social development, conflict and humanitarian knowledge services

  • Governance
    • Democracy & elections
  • Social Development
    • Social protection
  • Humanitarian Issues
    • Humanitarian financing
    • Humanitarian response
  • Conflict
    • Conflict analysis
    • Conflict prevention
    • Conflict response
    • Conflict sensitivity
    • Impacts of conflict
  • Development Pressures
    • Climate change
    • Food security
    • Fragility
  • Approaches
    • Complexity & systems thinking
  • Aid Instruments
    • Budget support & SWAps
    • Capacity building
    • Civil society partnerships
  • M&E
    • Indicators
    • Learning
    • M&E approaches
Home»Document Library»The Impact of Climate Change on Minorities and Indigenous Peoples

The Impact of Climate Change on Minorities and Indigenous Peoples

Library
Rachel Baird
2008

Summary

How do climate-related disasters and slow onset climate changes affect minorities and indigenous peoples? Why are these groups especially sensitive to the effects of climate change? In examining such questions, this report highlights a neglected area of research, and the important role of these groups as stewards of natural environments that are major carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots. It argues for the explicit inclusion of minority and indigenous groups in plans for combating and adapting to climate change.

‘Minorities’ are defined as those groups that are numerically smaller within a population, and who share a common religious, ethnic, or linguistic identity. ‘Indigenous peoples’ refers to groups who are seen as the ‘first people’ to inhabit a territory, and who have a special connection with the natural environment.

The impacts of climate change on minorities and indigenous people are rarely mentioned. Failure to recognise and respond to the problems of these groups arising from climate-related disasters and slow onset climate impacts exacerbates their suffering. The study finds that:

  • There is hardly any English-language research on the present and predicted effects of climate change on minorities and indigenous groups
  • Indigenous peoples and some minorities often have a close relationship with their natural environments, which makes them especially sensitive to the effects of global warming
  • Minorities tend to live in places that are worst hit by the impact of climate change; their poverty exacerbates their vulnerability
  • Biofuels are being presented as part of the solution to global warming, but the expansion of crop cultivation for biofuels has a devastating effect on forest-dwelling indigenous people
  • Discrimination against indigenous people and minorities makes it harder for them to cope with the impacts of climate change
  • Neither group receives adequate help from or exerts appreciable influence over governments.

Research is needed into the ways that minorities and indigenous people are affected by climate change. Their situation must be documented and recognised by governments, international organisations, academics, and development and environmental NGOs. Minorities and indigenous people’s own organisations can contribute to this shift in awareness. They will add weight to their demands if they emphasise their role as stewards of precious natural environments that are major carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots. Other opportunities for these groups to make themselves heard include the following:

  • National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs) provide an opportunity for ensuring that the voices and priorities of indigenous people and minorities are incorporated into the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change process on adaptation.
  • Some indigenous groups have used International human rights law to try and hold governments accountable for climate change related impacts on their communities.
  • The 2006 Brookings-Bern Guidelines on Protecting Persons Affected by Natural Disasters emphasise the need to protect the rights of minorities and indigenous people in the aftermath of disasters. It is vital that these guidelines are implemented by relief agencies in practice.

Source

Baird, R., 2008, 'The Impact of Climate Change on Minorities and Indigenous Peoples', Briefing Paper, Minority Rights Group International, London

Related Content

Increasing Birth Registration for Children of Marginalised Groups in Pakistan
Helpdesk Report
2021
Role of Faith and Belief in Environmental Engagement and Action in MENA Region
Helpdesk Report
2021
LGBT rights and inclusion in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
Helpdesk Report
2021
Areas and Population Groups in Pakistan Most Exposed to Combined Effects of Climate Change, Food Insecurity and COVID-19
Helpdesk Report
2021
birminghamids hcri

gro.crdsg@seiriuqne Feedback Disclaimer

Outputs supported by FCDO are © Crown Copyright 2022; outputs supported by the Australian Government are © Australian Government 2022; and outputs supported by the European Commission are © European Union 2022
Connect with us: facebooktwitter

Outputs supported by DFID are © DFID Crown Copyright 2022; outputs supported by the Australian Government are © Australian Government 2022; and outputs supported by the European Commission are © European Union 2022