Experts are emphasizing the importance of including Indigenous knowledge in efforts to tackle climate change and improve health. Francis Nona, a Torres Strait Islander and researcher at Queensland University of Technology, is advocating for this approach.
Nona notes, “For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Country is a living system, full of our ancestors and stories.” He is conducting research focused on how climate change harms health, drawing from 60,000 years of Indigenous wisdom.
“First Nations voices are often overlooked,” he says. “Why isn’t our knowledge considered the gold standard?” This issue is especially pressing as Indigenous communities face the most immediate effects of climate change, impacting their health outcomes.
On August 9, we celebrated the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. There are 476 million Indigenous people across 90 countries, speaking around 7,000 languages and representing 5,000 cultures. However, a recent UN report highlights that Indigenous communities are marginalized in global climate discussions, securing less than 1% of international climate funding despite their crucial role in preserving biodiversity.
Nona’s interest in the intersection of climate and health stems from his upbringing in the Torres Strait. He witnessed firsthand the environmental changes and their impacts. “I saw normal health issues tied to climate change. It’s crucial to address how heat stress, food insecurity, and mental distress affect our people,” he explains.
The fourth edition of the NACCHO-RACGP National guide to preventive healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people includes new insights on climate change’s health impacts. It guides healthcare professionals on identifying at-risk patients and advocating for equitable healthcare policies.
According to the guide, “In this climate emergency, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities suffer disproportionately.” It highlights the need for healthcare practices that promote holistic wellbeing and foster connections with Country to support future generations.
Nona believes general practitioners have a vital role in this shift. “GPs are trusted in the community. If they advocate for Indigenous perspectives, they can help inform policy changes,” he states.
As climate change escalates, integrating Indigenous knowledge becomes essential not just for environmental health, but for public health overall. Understanding and respecting these perspectives can lead to better outcomes for everyone.
