From: "Upasna Wahi" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Newsgroups: gmane.science.general.global-change
To: "globalchange" <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 6:25 AM
Subject: [Global Change: 2915] Climate change and rights of indegenious 
communities


>
> Hi All,
>
> Given the expertise of this group, I was wondering if anyone has been
> working on how climate change hits the indigenous communities the
> hardest. I read this article a month back about the UN negotiations
> that are due to be held in Jan 09 and how not even a single
> representative from these minority communities has been included in
> the negotiations.
>
> Any information on this would be welcome!
>
> Best
>
> Upasana Wahi
>

It's a good question.  I recently encountered the issue in connection with 
proposed new hydroelectric production in Manitoba.  My state has signed an 
agreement to purchase and import 500MW of power from the project.  During 
meetings of the Wisconsin Governor's Global Warming Task Force, 
representatives of indigenous communities affected by the hydro project were 
invited to speak.  Their presentation is posted at: 
http://dnr.wi.gov/environmentprotect/gtfgw/documents/MbTF20080514.pdf

I suppose if the negotiations cannot be resolved to everyone's satisfaction, 
Wisconsin may have to find an alternative source for 500MW of low-carbon 
power.  I would suggest building a new nuclear reactor, but unfortunately 
Wisconsin has a moratorium on new construction until a waste repository is 
opened.  The Goshute have agreed to open a repository on their land, but 
unfortunately the state of Utah will not approve construction of a rail spur 
required for delivery to the repository.

These two examples illustrate the importance of indigenous communities' 
rights in climate change mitigation and policy development.  A cursory 
review of IPCC assessment reports revealed no special attention to the 
issue, however, it appears FAO has recognized it: 
http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2008/1000906/index.html  That might be a 
good starting point for your research.

Thanks,
-dl 


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