Slaying the Carbon-Consuming Colonial Hydra: Indigenous Contributions to Climate Action

Abstract

Industrialism and colonialism have combined to produce climate change. Yet to date, climate action has largely failed to address colonialism and excluded indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples’ rights and knowledge are not nice-to-have items for states, corporations and NGOs to keep in mind as they work to mitigate climate change. They are essential tools to enact change and protect the planet. Indigenous rights can be leveraged to safeguard the public from the harmful effects of fossil fuels and the environment from degradation. Indigenous knowledge can transform the way governments relate to indigenous peoples and the environment. In short, indigenous peoples play an essential role in the global fight against climate change.