Climate change and Indigenous Community of Nepal: A Study into Varying Experiences of Climate Change and Adaptation in High Hilly Regions

Keywords: Climate change, Indigenous communities, Perceptions, Nepal
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

Anthropogenic climate change has irreversible impacts on different natural systems globally. The indigenous communities living in rural parts of the world suffer the most due to its impacts. Indigenous peoples are identified as the natives of a geographic region who have maintained a deep connection to their natural surroundings for generations. Each community’s experience of climate change is unique. However, globally, they share a similar predicament of living in the most vulnerable geographical locations. Their interdependence with their natural surroundings, combined with lack of economic opportunities and exclusion from access to policy planning and public discourses, makes them highly vulnerable to climate change. This situation also compromises their ability to cope with climate extremes and environmental stressors that occur on a global as well as a local level.

Hence, by using an ethnographic approach, I study the impacts of climate change on indigenous peoples from Jiri, situated in high hilly region of Nepal and their perceptions of climate change and indigenous knowledge. I argue that the impacts and experiences of climate change are plural and localized even within a specific community and hence demands nuanced approach to adaptation practices.