Indigenous communities have been marginalized for centuries. Colonizers have stolen their land, resources, and fundamental rights. In Canada, there were residential schools that inflicted mental, physical and emotional abuse on children, creating generational trauma resulting in the loss of traditions and history. Additionally, Indigenous peoples have been subjected to restrictive systems and conditions, such as reserves, that limit opportunities and economic development. Now, even after "reconciliation," Indigenous communities continue to face one of the biggest threats to humanity: the climate crisis. The UN acknowledges that "even though Indigenous peoples contribute the least to greenhouse emissions," they bear the consequences of the "Westernized" standard of living ("Climate Change"). As many communities live in geographie regions experiencing rapid global warming and depend on traditional methods of utilizing natural resources, Indigenous Peoples' current inequities will further be exploited.

Greenhouse gases, including methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide, form a layer that traps heat from the sun within Earth's atmosphere, leading to warming global surface temperatures. This warming, in turn, causes ice melting in the Arctic. With the absence of ice, dark oceans absorb more solar radiation, further warming the oceans, accelerating the ice melt and threatening the permafrost. The permafrost is a permanently frozen layer beneath the Earth's surface; as it begins to thaw, it can no longer support vegetation and the infrastructure above, endangering the livelihoods of Indigenous communities in the Arctic region. Moreover, rising temperatures alter weather patterns, sea levels and wildlife behaviours, "exacerbating the [Indigenous] loss of knowledge and land skills" among youth as well as projecting more injuries and limited access to country foods ("National Collaborating Centre"). As food insecurity worsens in northern Indigenous communities, reliance on transported food increases. However, as the ice melts, the "winter roads" used for transporting necessities such as gasoline and food become progressively unsafe, further isolating these communities.

Since the early 1900s, ocean levels have risen 8 centimetres due to increasing ocean temperatures and melting glaciers, which amplifies coastal erosion and flooding. As Earth's temperatures surge, more water vapour is held in the atmosphere, leading to a projected 50% more precipitation-related weather disasters in the near future. Over ten years, Indigenous communities have reported over 100 flooding events and with limited financial resources, the expenditure for emergency situations is staggeringly low. As Indigenous communities are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events due to "existing socio-economic conditions," the combination of long-term evacuations, infrastructure damage and ecosystem losses intensifies financial stress, making recovery difficult ("National Collaborating Centre"). Additionally, flooding can destroy wildlife habitats, affect species reproduction, contaminate food and water sources, instill food insecurity and disrupt intergenerational methods. Lastly, extreme weather events can ruin places of cultural significance, impacting mental health within these communities.

As many of us have witnessed smoke lingering over Vancouver from the East, we have seen how warming temperatures have drastically increased wildfires, resulting in smoke pollution and impacting our air quality. The effects of these wildfires are felt more heavily in the geographic locations of many Indigenous people, where poor housing conditions increase exposure to smoke. Additionally, wildfire activity is projected to grow over the next few decades, particularly in regions like British Columbia and Haida Gwaii. The single-use plastic industry contributes significantly to air pollution, releasing other pollutants, microplastics, and 1.5 to 12.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gasses (Vasarhelyi). Moreover, when single-use plastics are sent to landfills, they contribute 15% of methane emissions. As these plastics are broken down, they become microplastics that can pollute the air and enter into humans' bloodstream and organs, increasing vulnerability to "cancer, heart disease and kidney disease" (Osaka). Compared to non-Indigenous people, Indigenous Peoples endure higher rates of chronic respiratory diseases, including "asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease," which are amplified with exposure to poor air quality ("National Collaborating Centre").

Climate change significantly threatens fundamental human needs such as adequate food and water. Poor air quality and warming temperatures have disrupted harvesting periods, making them unreliable in terms of timing and duration. These changes also negatively alter ecosystems, "leading to declines or disappearances of specific species that constitute traditional (Indigenous] livelihoods" ("National Collaborating Centre"). Traditional food sources vital for harvesting and sharing are integral in Indigenous cultures. However, the rapidly changing climate has altered the "size, distribution, health, and behaviours" of wildlife and fish, rendering these practices unobtainable ("National Collaborating Centre"). Also, the effects of climate change may adversely affect Indigenous ceremonies and sacred sites that rely on natural resources, such as specific animals or plants. Overall, as essential resources, particularly food and water, become more challenging to access, many people turn to market foods, prompting "higher rates of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases" ("National Collaborating Centre").

In conclusion, Indigenous peoples are confronted with an overwhelming problem that hinders their ability to maintain traditional practices and preserve sacred knowledge. The climate crisis will continue exacerbating existing inequities through isolation in the warming Arctic, extreme weather events inflating financial stress, poor air quality, increasing chronic respiratory diseases, diminished access to traditional food and water sources, and overall impacts on health and well-being. We must act now before it's too late!

TAKE ACTION!

Composting: If food waste is in landfills, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas. Instead, compost your food in dedicated bins.

Recycle batteries: If batteries decompose in landfills, they release toxic chemicals into the environment. There are many different resources, such as the "Return-It Depots."

Don't support fast fashion. The Fast fashion industry is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and produces products with unsustainable plastic fabrics. Instead, buy more expensive clothing that lasts longer.