Climate Change Vulnerability of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe in the Southwest
Climate Change Vulnerability of Native Americans in the Southwest
Dates
Start Date
2012-09
End Date
2015-03
Release Date
2012
Summary
Native Americans are one of the most vulnerable populations to climate change in the United States because of their reliance upon the natural environment for food, livelihood, and cultural traditions. In the Southwest, where the temperature and precipitation changes from climate change are expected to be particularly severe, tribal communities may be especially vulnerable. Through this project, researchers sought to better understand the climate change threats facing the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe of northwestern Nevada. Researchers found that the Tribe’s vulnerability to climate change stems from its dependence on Pyramid Lake, which may experience reduced water supply in the future. This will potentially have negative consequences [...]
Summary
Native Americans are one of the most vulnerable populations to climate change in the United States because of their reliance upon the natural environment for food, livelihood, and cultural traditions. In the Southwest, where the temperature and precipitation changes from climate change are expected to be particularly severe, tribal communities may be especially vulnerable. Through this project, researchers sought to better understand the climate change threats facing the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe of northwestern Nevada. Researchers found that the Tribe’s vulnerability to climate change stems from its dependence on Pyramid Lake, which may experience reduced water supply in the future. This will potentially have negative consequences for the endangered cui-ui fish, which is an important food and income source for the Tribe. At the same time, the Tribe is limited in its current ability to respond to climate impacts because of few economic opportunities and dwindling federal support. Researchers worked collaboratively with the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe to develop adaptation and water management strategies that will help the Tribe prepare for and respond to climate change impacts.
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Pyramidlake_NV_MPD(Alex Wild).jpg “Pyramid Lake, NV - Credit: Alex Wild (public domain)”
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Purpose
Native Americans in the Southwest United States are thought to be particularly vulnerable to climate change. Tribal resiliency to climate change can be affected by multiple climate-related threats and by tribal communities’ close reliance on natural resources for sustenance, economic development, and maintenance of cultural traditions. A scientifically rigorous assessment of such threats to Native Americans is a pressing need across southwestern landscapes. This project examined factors affecting Native American tribes, including water rights for fish and wildlife, protection of wetlands, and enhancement and recovery of the Pyramid Lake, Nevada fishery, and protection of important fish species. This project aimed to help manage potential conflicts among stakeholders by providing a better understanding of system dynamics and climate projections in the region. This project also identified and tested best practices in collaborating with and delivering climate science to Native American tribes within the Southwest Climate Science Center’s region.
Project Extension
projectStatus
Completed
Budget Extension
annualBudgets
year
2012
totalFunds
202525.0
totalFunds
202525.0
Preview Image
Pyramid Lake, NV - Credit: Alex Wild (public domain)