Climate change and Indigenous People and local communities from Coursera

Climate change is a global phenomenon, but its impacts vary among different social groups, who perceive and adapt to climate change impacts in different ways. In this course, you will:

a) understand the different debates around climate change impacts on Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLC);

b) familiarize yourself with different impacts of climate change on IPLC, with the IPLC understanding of climate change impacts and with their strategies to adapt to climate change; and

c) learn about different strategies to incorporate Indigenous peoples and local communities in climate change research and policy.

The course includes a theoretical and a methodological component, through which you will learn methodologies to conduct research on Indigenous Peoples and local communities’ perceptions of climate change impacts.

What's inside

Syllabus

Climate change and Indigenous Peoples and local communities

This course on Climate Changes Impacts and Indigenous People and Local communities (IPLC) is divided in five different sections: 1) the first week aims to present the key notions related to climate change, and to Indigenous peoples and local communities knowledge systems. 2) the second week will show the different climate changes impacts on IPLC, at the climatic, biological, physical and human systems level. 3) the third week presents examples of coping and adaptation strategies of IPLC to climate change impacts 4) in the fourth week, different methods for data collection on local perceptions of climate change will be presented 5) the fifth week aims to give an overview on the governance in global change and the role of IPLC. Overall, this course includes a theoretical and a methodological component, through which you will learn methodologies to conduct research on Indigenous Peoples and local communities’ perceptions of climate change impacts.

Introduction

In Module 1, we will explain the basic concepts of the course and present the basic paradox of research on Indigenous peoples and climate change impacts: while Indigenous Peoples minimally contribute to anthropogenic climate change, they are directly and disproportionally impacted by it. The module will also highlight the reasons why tapping in Indigenous knowledge is basic for climate change research.

Climate change impacts on indigenous peoples and local communities

In Module 2, we will explain the importance of understanding how climate change impacts Indigenous Peoples and local communities. IPLC are disproportionally impacted by climate change because they depend directly on the use and management of natural resources. We will also present some common approaches to assess the vulnerability of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities to climate change impacts. Finally, this module will bring examples of how climate change impacts elements of the climatic, physical, biological and human systems, and how these impacts are perceived by Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

Coping and adapting to climate change impacts

In Module 3, we describe coping and adaptive strategies that IPLC from around the word have used to respond to the impacts of climate change. After an introductory video, the module is structured around examples of the following IPLCs' responses: i) sharing and cooperation, ii) diversification, iii) exchange, iv) storage, v) forecasting, vi) rationing, vii) mobility.

Local Indicators of climate change impacts

In Module 4 we discuss IPLC contributions to climate change research and introduce a standardized methodological protocol to assess such contributions.

The role of IPLC in global climate governance

In Module 5, we discuss several reasons that describe the importance of bringing IPLC as legitimate actors in global climate policy. We also present current attempts to do so through examples from the literature and existing policy initiatives.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Guides students in developing specialized skills relevant to climate change and the role of indigenous peoples and local communities

Draws examples from global communities, making it widely relevant

Multi-modal learning includes video, reading, and discussion

Teaches how to effectively involve indigenous peoples and local communities in climate change discussions

Course needs to be taken alongside others in a series, but each course can be taken alone

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Climate change and Indigenous People and local communities with these activities:

Climate Change 101

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Review some basic concepts of climate change to prepare for the course.

Browse courses on Climate Change

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Read a Wikipedia article on climate change.
Watch a YouTube video on climate change.
Take a quiz on climate change.

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

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Explore different strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Browse courses on Climate Change Mitigation

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Read a report on climate change mitigation.
Attend a webinar on climate change adaptation.
Participate in a discussion forum on climate change policy.

The Sixth Extinction

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Read a book about the impact of climate change on biodiversity.

View The Sixth Extinction (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on Amazon

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Read the book.
Summarize the main points of the book.
Write a review of the book.

One other activity

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Show all four activities

Climate Change Advocacy

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Create a piece of content that advocates for action on climate change.

Browse courses on Environmental Advocacy

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Choose a topic for your content.
Research your topic.
Create your content.
Share your content with others.

Career center

Learners who complete Climate change and Indigenous People and local communities will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They work in a variety of settings, including universities, government agencies, and businesses. This course may be useful for Economists by providing them with a better understanding of the impacts of climate change on indigenous peoples and local communities. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective economic policies that protect these groups.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists analyze environmental problems, research causes and effects, and develop solutions to mitigate or prevent damage to the environment and human health. This course may be useful for Environmental Scientists by providing them with a better understanding of the impacts of climate change on indigenous peoples and local communities. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective solutions to environmental problems that disproportionately affect these groups.

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Conservation Biologist

Conservation Biologists study the biology of endangered and threatened species and their habitats. They develop and implement conservation plans to protect these species and their habitats. This course may be useful for Conservation Biologists by providing them with a better understanding of the impacts of climate change on indigenous peoples and local communities. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective conservation plans that protect these groups and their traditional lands.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. They work in a variety of settings, including private law firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Lawyers by providing them with a better understanding of the impacts of climate change on indigenous peoples and local communities. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective legal strategies to protect these groups.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability programs for businesses and organizations. They work to reduce the environmental impact of these organizations and promote social and economic sustainability. This course may be useful for Sustainability Managers by providing them with a better understanding of the impacts of climate change on indigenous peoples and local communities. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective sustainability programs that protect these groups and their traditional lands.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

International Development Specialist

International Development Specialists work to improve the lives of people in developing countries. They work with governments, non-profit organizations, and other organizations to implement development programs that address issues such as poverty, hunger, and disease. This course may be useful for International Development Specialists by providing them with a better understanding of the impacts of climate change on indigenous peoples and local communities. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective development programs that protect these groups and their traditional lands.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study the behavior, social institutions, and relationships of human beings. They work in a variety of settings, including universities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Sociologists by providing them with a better understanding of the impacts of climate change on indigenous peoples and local communities. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective research and policy programs that protect these groups.

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Environmental Educator

Environmental Educators develop and implement educational programs and materials to teach people about environmental issues. They work with schools, museums, nature centers, and other organizations to promote environmental awareness and stewardship. This course may be useful for Environmental Educators by providing them with a better understanding of the impacts of climate change on indigenous peoples and local communities. This knowledge can help them develop more effective educational programs and materials to teach people about these impacts.

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Climate Change Analyst

Climate Change Analysts study the effects of climate change on the environment and human societies. They develop and implement strategies to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. This course may be useful for Climate Change Analysts by providing them with a better understanding of the impacts of climate change on indigenous peoples and local communities. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the behavior, societies, and cultures of humans. They work in a variety of settings, including universities, museums, and government agencies. This course may be useful for Anthropologists by providing them with a better understanding of the impacts of climate change on indigenous peoples and local communities. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective research and conservation programs that protect these groups.

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Climate Adaptation Specialist

Climate Adaptation Specialists develop and implement strategies to help communities adapt to the effects of climate change. They work with communities, businesses, and government agencies to develop and implement plans to reduce the risks and impacts of climate change. This course may be useful for Climate Adaptation Specialists by providing them with a better understanding of the impacts of climate change on indigenous peoples and local communities. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective climate adaptation strategies that protect these groups.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Adaptation Specialist

Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analysts develop and implement policies to protect the environment and public health. They work with government agencies, businesses, and other stakeholders to develop and implement policies that reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, and promote sustainable development. This course may be useful for Environmental Policy Analysts by providing them with a better understanding of the impacts of climate change on indigenous peoples and local communities. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective environmental policies that protect these groups.

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Natural Resources Manager

Natural Resources Managers oversee the management of natural resources, such as forests, parks, and wildlife. They develop and implement plans to protect and manage these resources for future generations. This course may be useful for Natural Resources Managers by providing them with a better understanding of the impacts of climate change on indigenous peoples and local communities. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective natural resources management plans that protect these groups and their traditional lands.

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Disaster Relief Specialist

Disaster Relief Specialists provide assistance to communities affected by natural disasters. They work with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other organizations to coordinate relief efforts and provide support to survivors. This course may be useful for Disaster Relief Specialists by providing them with a better understanding of the impacts of climate change on indigenous peoples and local communities. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective disaster relief plans and provide better support to these groups.

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Environmental Justice Advocate

Environmental Justice Advocates work to promote environmental justice for all people, regardless of race, income, or national origin. They work with communities, businesses, and government agencies to address environmental problems that disproportionately affect low-income and minority communities. This course may be useful for Environmental Justice Advocates by providing them with a better understanding of the impacts of climate change on indigenous peoples and local communities. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective environmental justice strategies that protect these groups.

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Climate change and Indigenous People and local communities

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