The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

what Indigenous people stand to lose from climate 'solutions'

  • Written by Robert Hales, Director Centre for Sustainable Enterprise, Griffith University
what Indigenous people stand to lose from climate 'solutions'

In the first major deal of the Glasgow climate summit, more than 100 nations have pledged to end[1], and reverse, deforestation by 2030. As the declaration states, forests store vast amounts of carbon dioxide and are essential to stop global warming beyond 1.5℃ this century.

This new pledge is an example of so-called “nature-based solutions” – using ecosystem restoration and protection, better forest management and forest plantations to tackle climate change. Research suggests[2], if done appropriately, they could provide 30–40% of the CO₂ reductions required by 2030.

But these approaches should not take away from the need to stop burning fossil fuels. There’s also a glaring omission in the new declaration: no mention of the need for Indigenous people to give our/their prior informed consent, or be the decision makers on our/their own land.

This is significant, because some nature-based solutions can negatively affect[3] Indigenous people around the world. For this reason, more than 250 organisations, networks and movements have signed a new statement[4] against nature-based solutions, calling them nature-based “dispossessions”, and a scam.

Indigenous people should have a seat at the table in Glasgow, and a voice in decisions about our/their lands. The best pathway forward for Indigenous people is to manage carbon projects themselves. This is true self determination.

Disrupting livelihood and culture

Indigenous people manage or have tenure rights over at least 38 million square kilometres in 87 countries[5] on all inhabited continents. This represents over a quarter of the world’s land surface, intersecting about 40% of all land-based protected areas and ecologically intact landscapes.

And yet, disadvantage is still widespread. International carbon policies such as nature-based climate schemes continue to contribute to a variety of poverties.

girl carries buckets of water from stream
The rights of Indigenous people to their land should be respected. EPA

Examples abound. Take, for instance, the REDD+ program which operates under the auspices of the United Nations. It aims to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, such as through sustainable management of forests to increase carbon stocks.

A review[6] in 2018 revealed how REDD+ projects disrupted local peoples’ livelihoods and culture in various ways. The more serious impacts included:

  • creating food insecurity by reducing the availability of agricultural land

  • loss of land through shifts in land tenure and forest management to outside corporations

  • unfair consent processes which do not include all people affected by projects

  • the clearing of forest to make way for monoculture plantations with higher carbon storage

  • limited formal frameworks to maintain local livelihoods and biodiversity.

Read more: 'The pigs can smell man': how decimation of Borneo's ancient rainforests threatens hunters and the hunted[7]

woman carries slender logs
Nature-based climate schemes often fail to take the views of Indigenous people into account. EPA

Indigenous people must benefit

Less than 1%[8] of climate finance from developed nations supports Indigenous and local community tenure security and forest management.

But research suggests[9] securing the rights of Indigenous People to our/their homelands would help conserve more carbon in the territories under our/their control. Land managed by Indigenous people tends to have[10] lower rates of deforestation and store more carbon than lands managed or owned by non-Indigenous People.

Under a best-case scenario[11], First Nations ownership of land would be recognised under law. Projects should be designed[12] to acknowledge Indigenous participation and priorities. And the practices should draw on western science and Indigenous science and knowledge.

And when nature-based solutions are proposed, land tenure issues need to be resolved, and Indigenous rights need to be respected. These are the preconditions that lead to benefits for both Indigenous people and the climate.

The Aboriginal Carbon Foundation[13] in Australia is an excellent example[14] of such a scheme. It involves savanna fire management projects in northern Australia to reduce the frequency and extent of late dry season fires. This results in fewer greenhouse-gas emissions and more carbon stored in dead organic matter.

Core benefits are developed by Traditional Owners and later verified. They include:

  • improved social ties as community members work together[15] on projects using a peer-to-peer framework

  • elders sharing traditional ecological knowledge with young people

  • Indigenous-led land management that protects the environment, rock art and sacred sites

  • meaningful employment that aligns with the interests and values of Traditional Owners

  • increased pride and self-esteem of Indigenous people.

Read more: Indigenous expertise is reducing bushfires in northern Australia. It's time to consider similar approaches for other disasters[16]

ring of fire surrounds tree
Savanna fire management projects in northern Australia reduce dry season fires. Shutterstock

The real culprit

Indigenous people are not just vulnerable to the effects of climate change solutions, they can also be disproportionately affected by climate change itself. Traditional Owners often live[17] on lands directly affected by climate change and can also lack the social and economic infrastructure to ensure resilience to respond[18] to these changes.

This underscores why Indigenous people should be at the centre of decision-making about climate change and solutions to address it.

Recognition of this need is slowly[19] growing[20]. But more needs to be done – including enshrining the rights of Indigenous people in Paris Agreement rules governing carbon trading[21].

Read more: Why UNESCO's 'nature based solutions' to water problems won't work in Africa[22]

man in traditional Brazilian head-dress
securing the rights of Indigenous People to their homelands would help conserve more carbon in the territories under their control. EPA

What’s more, the high cost of global travel and accommodation and restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic hinders[23] the attendance of First Nations leaders at international talks.

A Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform[24] was formalised at COP21 in Paris. But it remains to be seen whether this will influence negotiations at COP26.

Finally, while nature-based solutions have the potential to be an important response to reducing human-caused emissions, they are fraught with danger. The real culpability[25] for climate change lies with nations and regions that burn large amounts of fossil fuels.

First Nations people should not be forced to carry the burden of climate action. Instead, world leaders must prioritise reducing CO₂ emissions at their source.

At the same time, they must recognise the rights and interests of Indigenous people and guarantee climate solutions are determined by Traditional Owners on our/their land.

References

  1. ^ pledged to end (ukcop26.org)
  2. ^ Research suggests (www.facetsjournal.com)
  3. ^ negatively affect (www.forestpeoples.org)
  4. ^ new statement (greencloud.gn.apc.org)
  5. ^ 38 million square kilometres in 87 countries (www.nature.com)
  6. ^ A review (www.mdpi.com)
  7. ^ 'The pigs can smell man': how decimation of Borneo's ancient rainforests threatens hunters and the hunted (theconversation.com)
  8. ^ Less than 1% (d5i6is0eze552.cloudfront.net)
  9. ^ research suggests (www.facetsjournal.com)
  10. ^ tends to have (www.fao.org)
  11. ^ best-case scenario (link.springer.com)
  12. ^ designed (ecos.csiro.au)
  13. ^ Aboriginal Carbon Foundation (www.abcfoundation.org.au)
  14. ^ excellent example (www.abcfoundation.org.au)
  15. ^ work together (www.abcfoundation.org.au)
  16. ^ Indigenous expertise is reducing bushfires in northern Australia. It's time to consider similar approaches for other disasters (theconversation.com)
  17. ^ Traditional Owners often live (humanrights.gov.au)
  18. ^ resilience to respond (www.dymocks.com.au)
  19. ^ slowly (www.ipcc.ch)
  20. ^ growing (unfccc.int)
  21. ^ carbon trading (theconversation.com)
  22. ^ Why UNESCO's 'nature based solutions' to water problems won't work in Africa (theconversation.com)
  23. ^ hinders (www.corporateknights.com)
  24. ^ Platform (unfccc.int)
  25. ^ real culpability (www.ohchr.org)

Read more https://theconversation.com/land-culture-livelihood-what-indigenous-people-stand-to-lose-from-climate-solutions-170083

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...