Indigenous communities often rely on natural water sources, which are increasingly threatened by pollution. Contaminated water can lead to severe health issues and cultural disconnection from traditional practices.
Pollution affects the wildlife and plants that Indigenous peoples rely on for food and medicine, threatening their traditional knowledge and cultural practices.
Pollution can exacerbate existing health conditions among Indigenous peoples, leading to higher rates of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The degradation of the environment impacts the cultural practices of Indigenous peoples, leading to a disconnection from ancestral lands and traditional ways of life.
Increased pollution can lead to mental health challenges among Indigenous peoples, as loss of land and resources contributes to feelings of helplessness and anxiety.
Pollution contributes to climate change, which disproportionately affects Indigenous peoples through changes in their environment, weather patterns, and access to natural resources.