When Nature Disappears: Cultural Impacts of Biodiversity Loss on Indigenous Communities

Author: Addisyn Buckley

Field of Study: Economics

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Matthew Cole

Easel: 32

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: Climate disparities have historically affected frontline populations, specifically Indigenous communities. These environmental changes disproportionately affect Indigenous populations, and will persist without proper mitigation. This study explores the cultural impacts of biological loss within Indigenous communities, examining multiple case studies of populations from Africa, United States, and Mexico. Research is split into areas of loss, including land, animals, and plants, using a cross-sectional approach to synthesize a variety of cases pertaining to these three sections. The relationship between biological and cultural loss is found to be complex and interconnected. The conclusions of this paper suggests that in order to move towards a just future in the face of climate change, it is necessary to fully understand the impacts that biodiversity loss has on the cultures of Indigenous communities.