Abstract:

The sixth edition of the State of the World's Indigenous Peoples addresses the Climate Crisis. It emphasizes the crucial contribution of Indigenous peoples in mitigating the effects of climate change. Indigenous Peoples comprise only 5 percent of the global population, yet they effectively maintain and safeguard an estimated 80 percent of the Earth's biodiversity and about 40 percent of protected areas and biologically pristine landscapes. Since Indigenous Peoples first engaged with the United Nations, they have underscored the critical relevance of their connection to their lands, territories, and resources, which possess profound cultural and spiritual importance within their communities.

This report examines the climate issue, its repercussions on Indigenous Peoples, and the contributions of Indigenous Peoples in mitigating the effects of climate change. It seeks to deliver an exhaustive analysis of contemporary and nascent challenges related to the climate crisis from the viewpoint of Indigenous Peoples. The article utilizes illustrative examples from the seven sociocultural zones to emphasize the challenges and effective practices associated with Indigenous Peoples' experiences and solutions to the persistent climate crisis. The report aims to function as a definitive reference and advocacy instrument for Indigenous Peoples and civil society organizations, while also contributing to the wider discourse on climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.