Integrating non-Western epistemologies into global climate governance frameworks
Original framing: “Centering non-Western climate change perspectives for transformative public policy” — bing news
Indigenous knowledge systems offer a relational understanding of climate, emphasizing interdependence between humans, land, and non-human life. These systems are often dismissed as anecdotal, yet they provide time-tested, context-specific strategies for climate adaptation and mitigation.
To achieve transformative climate policy, we must move beyond the false dichotomy between Western science and non-Western knowledge.
Indigenous and non-Western epistemologies offer holistic, community-centered approaches that have been tested over generations. By institutionalizing these systems through policy, education, and research, we can create more resilient and equitable climate solutions. This requires dismantling colonial knowledge hierarchies and recognizing the epistemic value of diverse worldviews. The future of climate governance depends on our ability to listen, learn, and collaborate across cultural boundaries.