The Sámi Parliament supports the position paper published by the Sámi Climate Council on 16 November 2024 to the parties to the UN Climate Change Conference COP29, in which the Council presents urgent measures to combat climate change and mitigate its impacts.
In its position paper, the Sámi Climate Council highlights the vulnerability of Sámi culture to the impacts of climate change and appeals to international actors for urgent emission reductions. The position paper calls for respect for the rights of indigenous peoples in all COP29 decisions, as well as for the integration of traditional knowledge and scientific research in climate policy.
The Sámi Parliament wants to highlight in particular the Climate Council's demands for the protection of Sámi culture and livelihoods, as well as respect for the rights of indigenous peoples in all climate decisions.
In its statement, the Sámi Climate Council highlights the serious effects of climate change in Sámiland, as the Arctic region is warming up to 3–4 times faster than the global average. This threatens the continuity of Sámi culture and way of life, especially reindeer herding and other traditional livelihoods.
– Reindeer herding, fishing and other use of natural resources are increasingly difficult, and problems brought about by climate change, such as the freezing of pastures, make it difficult for reindeer to obtain food. In addition, the decline of Atlantic salmon and the spread of alien species, such as humpback salmon, pose new challenges, states the Climate Council's statement.
Sámi Parliament supports key demands of Climate Council
The Sámi Climate Council has four key demands for decision-makers.
The urgency of emission reductions. The Council calls on the parties to the agreement to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, respecting international human rights obligations, in order to achieve the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement.
Respect for human rights and the rights of indigenous peoples. The fight against climate change must not endanger the survival of Sámi culture.
Co-production of traditional and scientific knowledge. The EU and the Nordic countries should promote the co-production of Sámi traditional knowledge and academic research in their climate policy.
Adaptation to traditional livelihoods. Resources from climate funds must be allocated to supporting Sámi traditional livelihoods, especially reindeer herding, which is both a climate change mitigation factor and vital for the survival of Sámi culture.
The Sámi Climate Council calls on all COP Parties, especially the European Union and the Nordic countries, to ensure sufficient financial resources for indigenous peoples’ adaptation and mitigation efforts. The Council also emphasizes equitable and culturally sustainable approaches that take into account intergenerational responsibility.
The Sámi Parliament supports the Climate Council’s vision of promoting equitable and sustainable climate action, which respects the rights of indigenous peoples and supports our common aspiration towards a more sustainable future.
Source: Samediggi (in Finnish)
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