Across the United States, a surge of authoritarianism raises questions about our values and priorities. In these challenging times, it’s crucial to focus on what truly matters.
For the Indigenous peoples of Moananuiākea and beyond, justice is deeply connected to our heritage and our relationship with nature. Our ancestors have long emphasized sustainable practices like mālama ʻāina—caring for the land—and kuleana, meaning responsibility. The real work of climate justice involves recognizing Indigenous wisdom and supporting grassroots initiatives to safeguard our connection with Mother Earth.
As we face a turbulent political and economic climate, we must be clear: Climate justice is essential. It’s vital to continue the fight for cleaner environments and better opportunities for Indigenous and rural communities throughout the nation.
Historically, climate and environmental justice movements have been led by Indigenous, Black, and frontline groups, who often face the first and worst impacts of environmental changes. The history of forced displacements illustrates this injustice, as it opened doors for extractive industries that devastated our air, water, and land. Today, fossil fuel projects continue to threaten Indigenous territories, putting these communities on the front lines of the climate battle.
Moreover, climate justice intertwines with other significant issues like racial justice and gender equity. A stark example is the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR+), which is exacerbated by transient male workers in fossil fuel extraction sites. Ending these industries is crucial, not just for environmental reasons, but also for protecting vulnerable communities.
Viewing social issues through the lens of climate justice fosters real, meaningful change. Investing in renewable energy and traditional land stewardship is linked to sovereignty and resilience. Such investment can help counter the rising wave of authoritarianism.
Indigenous communities have long been sources of climate resilience. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) provides insights into sustainable land management. For instance, the Sacred Storm Buffalo project in South Dakota is making strides by reviving Lakota culture and enhancing food security through regenerative buffalo ranching. Historically, 60 million buffalo roamed North America, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem. Unfortunately, the U.S. government nearly wiped them out as part of a strategy to diminish Native tribes. Today, initiatives like these are crucial for rebuilding biodiversity.
In Hawai‘i, Kumano I Ke Ala (KIKA) is restoring Indigenous farming techniques, like cultivating kalo (taro). Before outside influences disrupted their practices, Native Hawaiians effectively managed land and water resources through a system that connected mountain agriculture with coastal aquaculture. This balance was destroyed during colonization and exploitation, which only worsened with modern industries. By teaching youth these farming methods, KIKA not only supports local ecosystems but also reinforces cultural identity and health.
Many Indigenous-led efforts, like KIKA and Sacred Storm Buffalo, show that effective climate solutions already exist within communities. These projects combine ancient wisdom with modern needs, creating pathways for sustainability and economic growth.
As government support wanes, private sector involvement becomes critical. Philanthropic organizations must step up to bridge funding gaps for frontline communities facing climate challenges. Investments should focus on resilience projects, Indigenous land stewardship, and initiatives developed by community leaders. The Bloomberg Foundation, for example, has pledged significant funds to tackle climate change. Such commitments should become standard practice across the board.
Community resilience is essential. Every locality must ask how they can better withstand climate impacts, build supportive networks, and incorporate climate justice into broader social and economic agendas. By fostering these strategies, we can create lasting changes.
Indigenous communities already possess the knowledge needed to combat climate change. What we need now is consistent support from philanthropists, organizers, and everyone committed to a just future. This is about ensuring food security, clean air and water for all, and safeguarding our planet. Climate justice is tied to racial justice and Indigenous rights, paving the way for liberation for both people and the Earth.
Check out this related article: Why Email Signatures Are Hurting the Planet and Putting Lives at Risk: It’s Time for a Change!
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