Exploring the disproportionate impacts of environmental threats and health concerns on indigenous populations.

Today, every single person on Earth has been or will be affected by climate change at some point in their lives. Climate change now threatens human health and well-being worldwide in many different ways. There are populations of people who are impacted more by climate change due to many factors. These range from where they live, their age, health, income, and occupation (EPA, 2016). As climate change impacts are becoming more prevalent in our world, we are beginning to see which populations are being impacted more than others.

Recent assessments and reports have recognized that indigenous peoples across the country have been uniquely and disproportionately affected by climate change. Climate change and environmental issues significantly threaten indigenous peoples' livelihoods and economies, including agriculture, hunting and gathering, fishing, and recreation. Here we explore some of the nearly 600 tribes and nations around the United States that see environmental threats through climate change, human activities, and/or public policy. We also learn of their resilience and determination to preserve their communities and way of life.