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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Marine & Wildlife Sign in to save

Plastic Suffocation: Climate Change Threatens Indigenous Populations and Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Journal of Marine and Island Cultures 2019 16 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 30 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Samantha Chisholm Hatfield

Summary

This policy paper argues that Indigenous communities bear a disproportionate burden from plastic pollution and associated climate change effects, particularly through contamination of traditional marine food systems. The author argues that plastic waste threatens traditional ecological knowledge and cultural practices tied to healthy ocean environments.

Plastic use and waste is a major contributor to climate change worldwide. While attempts to combat and reduce plastic consumption, use, and waste are addressed, remaining unaddressed is the fact that Indigenous populations are more highly impacted by waste plastic and associated climate change affects. These populations are more adversely impacted at higher rates, which is threatening vital Traditional Ecological Knowledge which in turns threatens cultural foundations and cultural lifeways. Plastic waste in traditional marine homeland areas affect Indigenous populations the most, supportive assistance for community is scant, and escape is impossible for place-based Indigenous peoples worldwide.

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