Monday, Aug 29 2011 2:30PM
Many tribes are vulnerable to climate change, a new report states, and few can move from harsh climate areas due to lack of finances.
A recent study indicates Native Americans are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change than other Americans because they rely more on natural resources.
The study, conducted by the National Wildlife Foundation (NWF), shows many tribes lack the necessary resources to combat severe weather effects on their land due to insufficient technical or financial means.
"Extreme weather events can be very destructive for tribes, many of whom are already suffering from lack of resources to begin with," Amanda Staudt, a senior scientist with the NWF, said in the report. "Heat waves and droughts can exacerbate plant and wildlife mortality, heighten the risk of wildfires and habitat loss and compromise tribal lands."
She added that high unemployment and poverty rates for many Native American tribes means many of them can't move to new areas where they wouldn't be affected by climate change.
Garrit Voggesser, senior manager for the NWF's Tribal Lands Program, also stated storms and other forms of extreme weather can be difficult for tribes to recover from.
The NWF recommended in the study that Congress provide additional funding to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to help tribes in financial trouble.