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Indigenous community health and climate change: integrating biophysical and social science indicators

July 8, 2014

This article describes a pilot study evaluating the sensitivity of Indigenous community health to climate change impacts on Salish Sea shorelines (Washington State, United States and British Columbia, Canada). Current climate change assessments omit key community health concerns, which are vital to successful adaptation plans, particularly for Indigenous communities. Descriptive scaling techniques, employed in facilitated workshops with two Indigenous communities, tested the efficacy of ranking six key indicators of community health in relation to projected impacts to shellfish habitat and shoreline archaeological sites stemming from changes in the biophysical environment. Findings demonstrate that: when shellfish habitat and archaeological resources are impacted, so is Indigenous community health; not all community health indicators are equally impacted; and, the community health indicators of highest concern are not necessarily the same indicators most likely to be impacted. Based on the findings and feedback from community participants, exploratory trials were successful; Indigenous-specific health indicators may be useful to Indigenous communities who are assessing climate change sensitivities and creating adaptation plans.

Publication Year 2014
Title Indigenous community health and climate change: integrating biophysical and social science indicators
DOI 10.1080/08920753.2014.923140
Authors Jamie Donatuto, Eric E. Grossman, John Konovsky, Sarah Grossman, Larry W. Campbell
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Coastal Management
Index ID 70115910
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Western Fisheries Research Center
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