Anthropology is the study of human communities or groups with the intention of identifying their unique attributes and evolutionary origins. Overall, anthropology seeks to understand the diversity of various social existences globally. Further, environmental anthropology is an aspect of anthropology that focuses on investigating the relationships that humans have with their environment.
The evident impact of climate change is such that all hands must be on deck to mitigate its effects. Environmental anthropologists have been at the forefront of advocating for local solutions and understanding the environment to mitigate the effects of climate change. Environmental anthropologists often investigate the sociocultural dynamic that results in environmental issues like climate change. They also investigate ways in which indigenous practices can provide solutions to climate issues.
According to Andrew Mathews, an associate professor of anthropology, and Jessica O’Reilly, a doctor in anthropology, the impact of climate change requires that experts in both social and natural sciences collaborate to mitigate its effects. They further noted that anthropologists are at a vantage point of providing understanding and solutions to climate issues.
They noted that there are three major ways in which the work of anthropologists has contributed to the understanding of climate change. First, they noted that because anthropologists conduct in-depth fieldwork and research, they usually have an insight into different cultural values and political relations that mold how different communities perceive and understand the environment.
Because of the expertise they have acquired from studying different developmental projects like roads and dams, anthropologists understand the different historical contexts behind several climate debates that happen today. They understand how some of these so-called developmental projects may have adverse environmental and climate consequences for indigenous populations and communities.
Also, they noted that anthropologists have a broad and holistic perception of humans and natural systems and how they affect the environment. These systems include social, economic, political, and cultural changes. Anthropological knowledge has also been instrumental in complementing various research efforts in natural science disciplines. It has also been able to provide answers to various science and policy questions as it relates to the environment.
Anthropologists also help people to learn from the mistakes of the past. They highlight some of the unsustainable methods and practices that resulted in adverse environmental implications for many communities in the past. For instance, archaeological findings have revealed that the collapse of several Mayan cities was due to environmental factors emanating from different unsustainable practices. Anthropologists noted that massive deforestation and an exploding population contributed to the fast decline of several Mayan cities.
The ancient Mayans cleared their forests to increase agricultural production, and they also fell trees for fuel and to build houses. Anthropologists noted that the ancient Mayans took all of these measures without adequate environmental management systems to help them maintain their complex societies. This is an important warning for modern societies today.
Environmental anthropology is such that it allows anthropologists to participate in more extensive public discourse. They have been invaluable in articulating research directions and have also come up with different anthropological recommendations and blueprints that might mitigate the impact of climate change. For instance, the American Anthropological Association once released a statement on humanity and climate change with the intention of highlighting the various anthropological contributions the organization has made to ongoing discussions on climate change.
