How climate change, dirty energy and extractivism are affecting people
We often talk about climate change as an abstract, global problem. But when energy and extraction companies disrupt the climate, how do they change people’s lives? What is the impact on people’s well being, community and culture, when water and air are contaminated? In this series, people from Latin America tell us about #myclimate. We invite you to read these stories and to share your story too.
“Changing weather patterns are disrupting our harvest. The medicinal plants that are part of our culture and our ceremonies are not growing. Climate change is changing our culture.” Rosa Palomino (Middle), President of Unión de Mujeres Aymaras de Abya Yala for the region of Puno, Peru.
“A mining company polluted our rivers. People in our community got sick. We used to have hundreds of animals per family. Now we only have two or three each because they have all died. Small-scale farmers are suffering and can’t produce good meat. In 2011, there was a confrontation between communities and the mining company (Xstrata Copper). Two people died during the protest, but the government is supporting the mining company and not holding them accountable.” Bernardino Bern, from Espinar, Cusco, Peru
“Our lands are being surveyed against our wishes for the construction of five hydroelectrc dams in Tapajós river, the biggest such project after the notorious Belo Monte dam in Xingu river.” Ademir Kaba Ademir Kaba Munduruku, from Munduruku People, Brazil
“The Peruvian government gave permission for mining and oil companies to enter Amazon lands when they passed law 30230 in July of this year. Our federation is fighting to protect our lands and the forests.” Carlos Cenepo Pizango, Federacion de pueblo indigenas Quechua de San Martin, from Tarapoto, Peru
“There is no rain this season. My community is waiting for rain and we are very worried that without it, there will be problems for the entire upcoming year. We are experiencing a drought that will impact our health, economic situation, our planting season and affect our animals.” Agripina Aguilar Mamani (Right) from the Zepita Provincia Chucito, Puno, Peru
