Climate Change and Indigenous Health: A Fight for Justice in Guatemala

A world where your health depends on the whims of the weather. This is the reality for many Indigenous communities in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. Researchers are working with 16 communities in this region, using a mix of local involvement, national data, and advocacy to help them tackle extreme weather events. The issue? Climate change hits these communities hard, and they're often ignored by the state. So, what can they do? Turns out, a lot. Maya Q'eqchi' communities are finding creative ways to push back against climate vulnerability and social exclusion. It's not just about technical fixes; it's about community-led activism that could change the game for Indigenous health in the face of climate change. How bad is it? Really bad. These communities face a perfect storm of climate danger, social exclusion, and state neglect. Diseases spread faster, water gets scarcer, and food is harder to grow. And who's there to help? Not the state. But these communities aren't sitting back. They're using grassroots activism to demand state support. It's a fight for health rights in the era of climate crisis. Why is this important? Because technical solutions, while helpful, aren't enough. Communities need to be in the driver's seat. They know their lands, their needs, and how to protect their health. This isn't just about survival; it's about justice. And it's happening right now in the heart of Guatemala.