Including Indigenous perspectives in EU climate adaptation work

The Arctic’s rapid warming has dire consequences for ecosystems and livelihoods in the region. But the impacts will also be felt in European Union (EU) countries because several member nations are home to the Sámi Peoples. Numbering about 100,000, the Sámi live in the Sápmi region that winds across the upper reaches of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. As DAN ZIEBARTH writes, the Indigenous People of the Sápmi region should not be forgotten as the EU looks for ways to adapt to climate change. Protecting the Arctic environment—and Sámi culture and livelihoods—will depend on finding a way to embed Sámi knowledge into EU climate frameworks.

Sámi traditional activities—reindeer herding, fishing and foraging—are deeply intertwined with the Arctic environment. Their knowledge systems emphasize a relational worldview and long-term ecological vision rooted in respect for nature.

But climate change is disrupting this equilibrium, causing unpredictable snow conditions and ecosystem shifts that threaten reindeer herding practices and the Sámi cultural identity that is tied to them.

To address challenges like these, the European Commission—the executive body of the EU—and the Sámi must collaborate. The commission has a crucial role to play in proposing new legislation, implementing the decisions of the European Parliament and Council, managing EU policies, allocating funding, and ensuring the enforcement of EU law across member states. The challenge for the Sámi will be figuring out how to contribute their traditional knowledge within the framework of the EU’s broader climate policies.

Providing the necessary funding and leadership

There are two critical first steps along the path to this cooperation.

First, the EU must budget more funds to consider and make use of Indigenous Knowledge in climate adaptation measures to enhance the effectiveness of its Arctic policies. This funding should support the braiding of Indigenous and scientific knowledge and the participation of Indigenous Knowledge holders in the co-production of knowledge processes—along with climate adaptation practices, infrastructure development, civil society collaboration, and a think tank focused on climate change and Indigenous knowledge in the Arctic.

Second, to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of these initiatives, Indigenous leaders and local communities should have primary control over the use of these funds. For example, the EU must include Indigenous representatives in its delegations to international climate summits and negotiations. Establishing a diplomatic envoy to advocate for Indigenous communities would amplify the reach and impact of Indigenous knowledge on the global stage, contributing to more informed and inclusive climate policies.

The Arctic is undergoing rapid environmental disruptions due to climate change. To address these successfully, funding is important, but it is just the first step. Political leadership is also key to fostering more effective climate policies and promoting greater recognition and respect for Indigenous Knowledge and rights in the face of global environmental challenges.