This summer, Karl Van Orsdol went to Kuboes, South Africa to research the effects of climate change in a traditional community. Four young people in the community formed a team with five South African Students from the University of the Western Cape who are studying climate issues. They had deep conversations with many in the community. 

A changing climate, combined with the loss of traditional lands have put traditional herders into a box.  Unable to roam across the landscape, these herders are seeing their available forage and water resources deteriorate to the point that many are abandoning their traditional lifestyles.  Poverty is dramatically increasing. Over 50% of the Kuboes community reported having no income at all as they abandon grazing.   

The community of Kuboes, and many other indigenous communities, don’t normally fit into our discussions around the impact of climate change.  We mostly debate the impacts of climate change on the world’s cities.  But we need to be cognizant of the huge cultural loss to the world that climate change is having on our indigenous populations.  To learn more, read Karl's blog.