Abstract
The case of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe exemplifies tribal vulnerabilities as a result of climate change. Preliminary socio-economic data and analysis reveal that the tribe's vulnerability to climate change is related to cultural and economic dependence on Pyramid Lake, while external socio-economic vulnerability factors influence adaptive capacity and amplify potential impacts. Reduced water supplies as a consequence of climate change would result in a compounded reduction of inflows to Pyramid Lake, thus potentially impacting the spawning and sustenance of a cultural livelihood, the endangered cui-ui fish (Chasmistes cujus). Meanwhile, limited economic opportunities and dwindling federal support constrain tribal adaptive capacity. Factors that contribute to tribal adaptive capacity include: sustainability-based values, technical capacity for natural resource management, proactive initiatives for the control of invasive-species, strong external scientific networks, and remarkable tribal awareness of climate change.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Climate Change and Indigenous Peoples in the United States |
Subtitle of host publication | Impacts, Experiences and Actions |
Publisher | Springer International Publishing |
Pages | 77-91 |
Number of pages | 15 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9783319052663 |
ISBN (Print) | 3319052659, 9783319052656 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 1 2014 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Environmental Science
- General Earth and Planetary Sciences