Climate change and indigenous lands and resources

Climate change and other human-induced changes are impacting important natural and cultural resources of indigenous peoples throughout the United States. As these impacts become more severe, traditional ecological knowledge systems provide significant understanding of ecological changes and help identify adaptive strategies for both indigenous and non-indigenous communities around the world. The Third National Climate Assessment chapter on indigenous peoples discusses a number of issues, including loss of traditional knowledge, forests and ecosystems, water, food security and traditional foods, Arctic sea ice loss, permafrost thaw and relocation. The presentation will also highlight tribal communities and programs responses to the changing environment.