The United Nations General Assembly is set for September 22 to 30 in New York. This year, Climate Week NYC will also take place in the same city, showcasing important initiatives, including the “Indigenous Solutions Short Film Screening.”
From September 15 to 28, you can catch a series of short films hosted by The Redford Center. On September 26, filmmakers will join a virtual conversation focused on Indigenous-led environmental solutions. They’ll discuss their impactful work and the need for support in these communities.
The screening includes four powerful films:
“Enraizados” (Deeply Rooted): This film highlights the fight of the P’urhépecha people in Mexico against illegal logging. It showcases their journey toward self-determination and environmental revival, serving as a model during our global climate crisis.
“Nuraga Bhumi”: This documentary features an all-Indigenous women’s patrol in Sumatra, Indonesia. They work to protect their forests and endangered tigers, demonstrating how local communities can reclaim their roles as land protectors.
“Zag”: Follow the defenders of Zag trees in Southern Brazil. Their story reveals the tension between tradition and modern pressures, illustrating the resilience of communities fighting for their heritage and environment.
“Kanenon:we” (Original Seeds): This film follows Haudenosaunee women as they reconnect with their ancestral seeds, ensuring their survival for future generations.
These stories reflect a growing acknowledgment of Indigenous perspectives in global climate action. As noted by experts, including Dr. Elizabeth Economy, a prominent environmental policy scholar, integrating Indigenous knowledge can dramatically enhance our strategies for sustainability.
Recent data from the UN indicates that the impact of climate change disproportionately affects Indigenous communities. Their traditions often include sustainable practices that the wider world can learn from. Thus, recognizing their role in climate discussions is crucial.
In a landmark advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) this past July, it was stated that countries may violate international law if they fail to protect the planet from climate change. This opinion, initiated by students from the University of South Pacific in Vanuatu and supported by over 130 nations, highlights the urgency of international collaboration.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the importance of this call for action. He stated that young voices from the Pacific are urging the world to respond.
In light of recent climate policy shifts, the European Union plans to implement the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism starting in January 2026. This policy will require importers of carbon-intensive goods to account for emissions, pushing companies to reduce their carbon footprint. These efforts deserve acknowledgment, as they contribute to global sustainability.
As we engage with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by world leaders in 2015, remember that each of us plays a role. The SDGs aim to eradicate poverty, promote human rights, and combat climate change, but progress is faltering.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) notes that achieving these goals requires a collaborative approach. Everyone—individuals, governments, and organizations—must work together. Small actions, like adopting eco-friendly habits or supporting gender equality, can contribute significantly.
Collectively, our efforts can pave the way for a sustainable future.
Pingyuan “Edward” Lu, president of the Guåhan Global Foundation and a public health expert, believes that community engagement is essential to promote peace, health, and sustainability. Working together is the only way we can build a thriving planet for everyone.
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sustainable development goals, sustainability, sustainable development, policy coherence for development, climate change mitigation, economy and the environment, climate change, environmental impact of fossil fuels, natural environment, politics, environmental impact, environmental social science, climate variability and change, nature
