Welcome to the United Nations
The sixth edition of the State of the World's Indigenous Peoples focuses on Climate Crisis. It focuses on the vital role of Indigenous peoples in addressing the impacts of climate change. Although Indigenous Peoples account for only around 5 per cent of the world’s population, they effectively manage and protect an estimated 80 per cent of the Earth’s biodiversity and about 40 per cent of protected areas and ecologically intact landscapes. Since Indigenous Peoples first came to the United Nations, they have emphasized the fundamental importance of their relationship with their lands, territories and resources, which hold a deep cultural and spiritual significance within their societies.
This publication focuses on the climate crisis, its impact on Indigenous Peoples, and the role Indigenous Peoples can and do play in mitigating the effects of climate change. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current and emerging issues in the context of the climate crisis from the perspective of Indigenous Peoples. Drawing on illustrative examples from across the seven sociocultural regions, the publication highlights both challenges and good practices linked to Indigenous Peoples’ experiences with and responses to the ongoing climate crisis. Ultimately, the report is intended to serve as an authoritative reference and advocacy tool for Indigenous Peoples and civil society organizations and to contribute to the broader conversation around climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience.
Publication will be published on 24 April 2025.