Analysing engagement with Indigenous Peoples in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Report

Abstract

Indigenous Peoples’ advocacy and contributions to climate action have drawn international attention, including from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This article assesses to which degree the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) recognises the role and knowledge systems of Indigenous Peoples. Through a content analysis of the Working Groups I, II, and III reports and the Synthesis Report, we found an increasing number of references related to Indigenous Peoples and their knowledge systems. However, the IPCC still perpetuates a reductionist approach that reinforces harmful stereotypes. Overcoming this weakness requires greater reflexivity and concrete actions, including consistent recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights, refraining from merely portraying Indigenous Peoples as vulnerable and adopting a strengths-based approach, ensuring ethical and equitable application of Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge systems, and involving Indigenous Peoples from the scoping process. By implementing these measures, the IPCC can improve its partnership with Indigenous Peoples in preparation for AR7.