Indigenous Rights

A new white paper from Climate Cardinals highlights how English-dominant climate science and disaster alerts exclude much of the world, particularly Indigenous peoples. In 2023, wildfires in Canada's Yellowknife forced over 19,000 evacuations, with alerts issued only in English and French, not in nine official Indigenous languages. The report calls for a global fund to support translations of climate data and warnings.

27 Mwezi wa kwanza, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed revisions to the Clean Water Act that would restrict tribes' and states' ability to review federal projects for water quality impacts. Experts warn this could undermine treaty rights and sovereignty for Native American nations. The changes revert to narrower oversight established before 2023.

In 2025, President Donald Trump has aggressively promoted deep-sea mining for critical minerals in the Pacific Ocean, boosting companies like The Metals Company despite environmental and Indigenous concerns. This move disregards international regulations and local advocacy, targeting vast areas rich in cobalt and nickel. Scientists warn of lasting ecological damage, while Indigenous groups fight to protect cultural ties to the ocean.

19 Mwezi wa kumi na mbili, 2025 Imeripotiwa na AI

A recent study highlights a worldwide rise in efforts to suppress climate and environmental activism through laws, violence, and vilification. Indigenous land defenders face the highest risks, with over 2,100 such activists killed globally between 2012 and 2023. The report warns that repression will likely intensify under authoritarian policies, including those in the United States.

Indigenous protesters blocked the entrance to COP30 in Belém, Brazil, criticizing Brazil's new rainforest protection initiatives as insufficient. The demonstrations highlight ongoing exclusion of Indigenous voices from global climate talks. Activists demand greater recognition of their land rights and roles as biodiversity guardians.

12 Mwezi wa kumi na moja, 2025 Imeripotiwa na AI

The Trump administration is pushing forward with deep-sea mining plans in the western Pacific, nearly doubling the proposed area around American Samoa and targeting waters near the Marianas Trench for the first time. This move has drawn strong opposition from Indigenous leaders concerned about impacts on fisheries and culture. Despite calls for consent, the federal government is proceeding with an environmental review.