Knowledge Plurality in Climate Policy Implementation

In addition to the displacement and land theft, Indigenous peoples and their knowledges have largely been left out of building climate policy and, by extension, how we think about and assess climate and disaster risks. This lack of inclusion not only decreases community access to climate resilience, it also inhibits holistic and comprehensive risk assessments themselves, by prioritizing western knowledge and values . To build genuine climate resilience, we need risk narratives that consider the broader context, relationships, and connections between our social and natural worlds. I’m grateful to have collaborated with the Yellowhead Institute and Hetxw'ms Gyetxw (Brett Huson) Aluu'taa on this special report, which highlights the urgent need to include Indigenous knowledge in climate risk assessments for a more comprehensive understanding of risk, towards building holistic resilience to climate change. Full report available here: https://lnkd.in/gW2cqBKH #indigenousknowledge #climaterisk #climateresilience

The emergence of nature-based solutions (NbS) has contributed to a shift in how climate change adaptation success in cities is understood and what information and tools are needed to track its progress. It is increasingly assumed that urban adaptation progress is linked to “greening” cities. The conceptualisation of adaptation is often ambiguous and rigid, however, the IPCC defines it as “adjustment” to changing biophysical conditions, which could be argued as institutionalised. The implementation of effective adaptation policies is dependent on the understanding of climate risks and the concept of adaptation. Researchers suggest that urban adaptation to climate change is not only about protecting urban dwellers from the risks posed by a changing climate but further deepening relationships among one another and with nature. Defining adaptation in this way, as well as assessing progress towards adaptation goals, requires knowledge plurality that recognises that human and natural systems are interconnected and inseparable. However, current high-level definitions of adaptation such as that of the IPCC do not refer to the role that these relationships and knowledge pluralism play in how adaptation is successfully done. Instead, these definitions explicitly separate adaptation in “human” and “natural” systems. “Adaptation is the process of cultivating and strengthening relationships both among humans and between humans and nature in a way that respects their innate interconnectivity. These relationships help identify, motivate and guide necessary adjustments to actual or expected climate and its effects in order to moderate harm and maximise the potential for those relationships to thrive.” Goodwin, S., Olazabal, M., Castro, A.J. et al. A relational turn in climate change adaptation: Evidence from urban nature-based solutions. Ambio (2024). https://lnkd.in/eKeJSc4f

How Indigenous Knowledge is Shaping Climate Resilience 🌍🔥 For centuries, Indigenous communities have been the guardians of our planet, using deep ecological wisdom to navigate environmental challenges. Yet, their knowledge remains largely overlooked in mainstream climate policies. 🔎 What if the key to climate resilience was hidden in the past? My latest article explores how Indigenous Knowledge (IK) is revolutionizing climate adaptation—from sustainable agriculture to traditional water management and biodiversity conservation. 📌 Key Takeaways: ✅ Indigenous agricultural techniques (e.g., Andean vertical farming, Zuni waffle gardens) are proving more resilient than industrial farming. ✅ Traditional weather prediction (e.g., Maasai early warning systems) often outperforms satellite models. ✅ Indigenous-led conservation efforts in the Amazon and Arctic are crucial in the fight against climate change. ✅ Co-producing knowledge between scientists and Indigenous communities is the future of sustainable adaptation. 🌱 The Solution? We need to bridge science and Indigenous wisdom—not just out of respect but because it works. Legal recognition, knowledge-sharing platforms, and Indigenous-led climate policies are critical next steps. 🚀 Let's rethink who holds the solutions to climate change and ensure Indigenous voices are at the table. Read the full article below. Would love to hear your thoughts! How can we amplify Indigenous climate leadership? 👇 #ClimateChange #Sustainability #IndigenousKnowledge #ClimateResilience

Indigenous Knowledge in Global Environmental Policy During my tenure as Co-Chair of the Facilitative Working Group of LCIPP https://lnkd.in/drVuknxv, I had the privilege of witnessing the unique role of indigenous people in shaping global environmental policies. The LCIPP promotes the exchange of best practices for addressing climate change, builds capacity for engagement, and brings together diverse approaches to designing and implementing climate policies and actions. Here are a few practical tips to incorporate indigenous knowledge into environmental policies, including adaptation, mitigation, climate finance, and technology transfer: ✅ Engage experts from indigenous peoples and local communities in mandated technical dialogues at national, regional, and global levels. ✅ Build capacity for accessing existing funding opportunities, particularly for national projects. ✅ Document indigenous practices (with the necessary consent) to ensure their incorporation into relevant resources for policy development. ✅ Build capacity among policymakers on how to engage with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, recognising that their approaches may vary and that their values and systems must be respected. For more information about the LCIPP, visit: https://lcipp.unfccc.int 🌍 #CollectiveAction #Sustainability