Climate change in arid lands and Native American socioeconomic vulnerability: The case of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe

Mahesh R. Gautam, Karletta Chief, William J. Smith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)585-599
Number of pages15
JournalClimatic Change
Volume120
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Global and Planetary Change
  • Atmospheric Science

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