Our researchers visited three Indigenous territories in Northern Brazil where illegal intruders had begun to seize land and threaten Indigenous Peoples leading to an estimated 75,000 forest fires this year. This is both an environmental catastrophe and a human rights crisis.

They have lost homes, livelihoods and access to sacred sites. Many now live outside the forest in appalling poverty. The community has been dispersed, separated from their traditional practices in the forest. Many fear they will lose their unique culture and identity. 

Research shows* that climate change will exacerbate existing poverty and inequality, with the most severe impact in peer regions, and places poorer people live and work. 

In doing so, they are taking a stand against climate change, while defying huge political and economic interests linked to extractive industries in Indigenous territories. 

On top of drastically reducing carbon emissions and phasing out subsidies for fossil fuels, governments must protect the most vulnerable to the effects of the climate crisis, help people adapt to climate change and provide support to those who have lost their homes.

Together we can stand with Indigenous Peoples and those most affected by the crisis, and demand a rapid and just transition to a zero-carbon economy that leaves no one behind.