Research summit to highlight climate change challenges

In partnership with Ngā Pae o te Maramatanga, New Zealand's Māori Centre of Research Excellence, Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland introduces the inaugural International Indigenous Climate Change Research Summit, slated for 13-17 November.

The 2023 International Climate Change Research Summit (ICCRS) stands as a forum of hope, dedicated to finding actionable solutions to mitigate climate change impacts.

It’s led by renowned scholars, Professor of Indigenous Studies Linda Waimarie Nikora (Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga) and Dr Shaun Awatere of Manaaki Whenua.

“As the climate crisis unfolds, Indigenous communities face unique challenges. This summit promises to amplify Indigenous voices and innovative solutions,” says Professor Nikora.

“Indigenous and Pacific communities will be the first to be catastrophically impacted by climate change. It’s not just our lives but cultural realities.”

The research summit will be held fully online and offers a platform for Indigenous researchers and communities to share their knowledge and perspectives by way of evidence based research.

"Climate change is already affecting Indigenous communities, particularly in the Pacific, leading to concerns such as land loss, degradation of seas, food source challenges, rising biosecurity concerns, displacement or people, and livelihood threats,” says Nikora.

“Closer to home, severe weather events continue to impact us. The summit will be shedding light on these issues and will mobilise practical solutions to secure the future of Indigenous people and communities."

The summit weaves together the latest well-researched solutions curated by Indigenous researchers and communities. Dr Shaun Awatere highlights that IICCRS is committed to addressing climate change and the summit agenda encompasses key areas.

“This includes environmental justice, equitable resource access, biodiversity conservation for ecological balance, and innovative climate adaptation strategies.

“The summit will be a celebration of Indigenous knowledge, research, and actionable solutions, uniting an assembly of Indigenous experts. It stands as a valuable platform for discourse, learning, and engagement with policy and decision-makers.

“Indigenous voices, intricately intertwined with our ecosystems and ecologies, offer invaluable insights to the local and global climate dialogue."

Nikora says Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga is delighted to host this summit and acknowledges the support of Te Apaarangi Royal Society, Ngā Ara Whetū – the University’s Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society, and the Faculty of Arts.

For comprehensive information about the International Climate Change Research Summit 2023 and registration details, please visit IICCRS.