When the Earth Flourishes, We All Flourish

Climate change is a worldwide challenge that has far-reaching impacts on societies, economies, and the environment. It is an ongoing and multifaceted issue that has been exhaustively discussed and debated by scientists, economists, academics, lobbyists, politicians, billionaires, activists, and pundits alike.

Everywhere we turn, we hear about extreme weather, carbon emissions, renewable energy, and green tech. We're told to "trust the science" and taught to "Recycle. Reuse. Reduce." Our jobs speak to us in keywords (e.g., "green," "sustainability," and "ESG"), the government urges us to "buy electric," and our kids post "Happy Earth Day!" messages for everyone to see. All this while news reports quote scientific journals and academic papers with such heavy data and statistics that only PhDs understand. And yet, despite the imperatives to save the planet, the concept of climate change still needs to be more relatable for the typical person to wrap their head around.

So, to give a face to, and help paint a picture of climate change that demonstrates its effects around the world, consider the following case study.

Climate Change and Coastal Communities

The community of Gullah/Geechee people, living on the coastal islands and low country of the southeastern United States (US), are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. These communities, mostly made up of Blacks/African Americans, have a unique culture and language that developed during the era of slavery. Their traditions and customs are rooted in their African heritage and experiences of oppression. Their history and way of life are essential to the fabric of American society (as featured in the Netflix documentary “High on the Hog”), and their preservation is critical.?

Today, the Gullah/Geechee community is fighting to protect their way of life, land, and livelihoods from the devastating and deadly effects of climate change, which are already affecting them. The increasing frequency and severity of storms, sea-level rise, and coastal erosion have threatened them unimaginably. Though the Gullah/Geechee people are taking action to protect their communities, including building seawalls and using traditional knowledge to adapt to the changing climate, they need support and require assistance from the government (e.g., US Department of Agriculture, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Army Corp of Engineers, etc.) and other stakeholders to effectively prevent adverse outcomes of climate change (e.g., food and water insecurity).

The effects of climate change are not distributed equally, and marginalized communities are often disproportionately affected. People living in poverty (particularly in developing countries), indigenous peoples (who often have deep connections to the land and rely on natural resources for their livelihoods), women and girls (who continuously experience gender-based discrimination), and coastal communities (including the Gullah/Geechee) are among those who face the greatest perils during climate-related disasters because they lack unequal access to information, financial and technical resources, decision-making power, and are excluded from action planning processes that affect them directly.

Around the world, nearly 1.5 billion (or 1 in 4) people are at risk of intense flooding. Without more significant intervention, the Gullah/Geechee community, along with other US coastal regions, are projected to experience a century's worth of sea level rise within the next 30 years (by 2050), potentially making their only home extinct.

The Gullah/Geechee community case is one of many stories highlighting the intersections of and inextricable links between diversity, equity, justice, and climate change. To address climate change effectively, it is essential to not only tout the popular themes of climate change, and make policies about or funding choices for people who are not invited into the rooms and to the tables where decisions are made. We must make intentional efforts to recognize the unique cultural and historical perspectives of vulnerable communities and ensure they have an equitable share of voice, access, and power with which to save themselves.?

As expressed throughout this "Flourishing" series, no individual, company, or society can flourish in an unhealthy environment. Likewise, no environment or ecosystem can thrive when the inhabitants on which they depend cease to exist. We must work together to build a more resilient and sustainable future for the Earth, but it begins by including those who have always listened to it.

How Indigenous Cultures Heal the Earth?

Long before the marketization, capitalization, and commercialization of climate change, indigenous cultures (like the Gullah/Geechee people) have long practiced sustainable ways of living that prioritize the health and well-being of the Earth and its ecosystems. Their deep and long-standing connection to the natural world, and many of their traditional practices and beliefs, are based on a harmonious relationship with the environment that benefits both people and the planet. Here's what we could learn from them if only we included them.

• Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK): Indigenous peoples' wealth of knowledge and understanding of their local ecosystems has been gained through centuries of observation and experience. This knowledge is often passed down through oral traditions. It includes regenerative agricultural practices such as selective harvesting, rotational farming, intercropping, and controlled burning, which have been shown to promote ecological resilience and biodiversity.
• Conservation Efforts: Indigenous communities have always been at the forefront of conservation efforts, working to protect and restore ecosystems and species that are threatened or endangered. This includes preserving traditional hunting and fishing grounds, establishing protected areas, and advocating for sustainable resource management policies.
• Community-Based Management: Indigenous cultures often have a strong sense of community and collective responsibility, which can be harnessed to promote sustainable resource management practices. This includes traditional land tenure and use systems, such as communal ownership and stewardship, which effectively promote sustainable resource use and conservation.
• Sustainable Living Practices: Many indigenous cultures have developed sustainable ways of living that are in harmony with the natural environment. For example, the Inuit people of the Arctic have adapted to living in a harsh climate by hunting and fishing in a way that respects the balance of nature. At the same time, the Amazonian peoples have developed complex agroforestry systems that promote biodiversity and soil fertility.
• Spiritual and Cultural Practices: Many indigenous cultures view the Earth as a sacred entity with a deep spiritual connection to all living things. Traditional ceremonies, rituals, and practices often involve honoring and giving thanks to the natural world and mindfully seeking to maintain a balance between human needs and the needs of the environment.
• Protecting Sacred Sites: Some indigenous cultures consider specific natural sites sacred and have developed rituals and practices to protect them. By preserving these sites, they help to maintain the biodiversity and cultural heritage of their regions.
• Advocacy and Activism:? Indigenous peoples have been at the forefront of many environmental, social justice, and climate justice movements, advocating for protecting their lands and cultures. Through activism and advocacy, they have successfully prevented destructive mining and logging activities and raised awareness about the impacts of climate change on indigenous communities.

The Earth does not belong to one nation, one group of people, one socioeconomic class, or species. As such, it will take all of us — from every walk of and station in life — to address climate change. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and equipping and empowering them to effect change, we can help develop more innovative and practical solutions to the various complex environmental challenges facing our planet today. By working in partnership, we can learn from each other's wisdom and experience to build a more just, sustainable, and equitable future for all — both human and ecological.?

“The earth is what we all have in common." - Wendell Berry