Rising Together: Community Resilience While Facing the Climate Crisis

Rising Together: Community Resilience While Facing the Climate Crisis

By Alejandro Guerrero Vargas on October 10, 2024

As the urgency of the climate crisis increases, communities worldwide are demonstrating remarkable resilience. Faced with rising sea levels, frequent natural disasters, and erratic weather patterns, many are finding solutions from within-solutions rooted in collaboration, cultural preservation, and respect. These communities, despite being the most affected by climate change, are not waiting for help but are leading the charge in developing adaptive strategies centering their human rights.

While global leaders deliberate long-term solutions, the communities at the forefront of climate impacts do not sit idly. They develop and implement strategies addressing the daily challenges of displacement, resource scarcity, and ecological devastation. Their commitment to self-determination and collective power is paving the way for a future where both people and the planet can thrive.

Te Toa Matoa, based in Kiribati, is dedicated to preserving traditional cultural practices through an inclusive approach highlighting the importance of safeguarding culture in the face of climate change. By producing music videos, Te Toa Matoa ensures that the rich heritage of Kiribati remains accessible to all, particularly individuals living with disabilities. With UUSC's support, Te Toa Matoa is building capacity to ensure that disability rights are central to Kiribati's climate policies, proving that no community is complete without the full participation of all its members.

In Papua New Guinea, Tulele Peisa Inc. (TPI) is leading the Carteret Islanders, one of the world's first climate migrant communities, in their dignified relocation to safer grounds. At the most recent Pacific Rising convening, Tulele Peisa reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that migration is not only about physical relocation but also about preserving the cultural identity and social bonds of the islanders. Tulele Peisa will continue to support the Carteret Islanders in adapting to the severe impacts of climate change while maintaining their dignity and cultural heritage.

Louisiana's Lowlander Center plays a pivotal role in advocating on behalf of Indigenous tribes affected by climate change, with a focus on climate adaptation, relocation, and Indigenous sovereignty. In May 2023, representatives from the Organization of American States (OAS), hosted by the Lowlander Center and its partners, visited Indigenous communities in Louisiana to discuss the impacts of the climate crisis. Following the visit, the Special Rapporteur released a report affirming the intersectionality of climate change, fossil fuel extraction, and U.S. government policies that undermine Indigenous resilience. The Lowlander Center continues to advocate robust federal responses and ensures Indigenous communities have a seat at the table in decision-making processes.

The Ecological Solutions Foundation Trust Board in the Solomon Islands is documenting the stories of individuals, families, and communities affected by climate change and displacement. This project focuses on capturing diverse experiences across different races, ethnicities, and cultures through a photo book, fostering a sense of connection and engagement. In 2022-2023, UUSC supported ESF's efforts to provide rainwater tanks to communities in Makira Ulawa provinces, which improved access to clean water, extended school hours for children, and empowered women and girls in their economic endeavors.

As the climate crisis intensifies, the resilience of these communities serves as both an inspiration and a call to action. The solutions they are pioneering offer valuable lessons for the global community: resilience is built from within, and it thrives on equity, inclusion, and collective action. By supporting and amplifying the leadership of those most affected, we, as a global community, can build a future where all communities have the resources and autonomy to live sustainably, no matter the challenges they face.

A donation to UUSC helps these partners continue their work in the face of insurmountable odds. Consider donating today to have an impact.

Image credit: UUSC

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