Climate change: ‘Our culture is being lost’ - What in the World podcast, BBC World Service

Key Concepts

Climate change, cultural heritage, intangible heritage, rising sea levels, melting ice caps, globalization, traditions at risk, preservation efforts, education, identity, Marsh Arabs, Greenlandic Inuit culture, UNESCO, adaptation, relocation.

Climate Change and Cultural Heritage: An Overview

The discussion centers on the impact of climate change on various cultural traditions around the world, highlighting the concept of "intangible heritage" as defined by UNESCO. It explores how rising sea levels, melting ice caps, and changing temperatures are threatening communities and their traditional practices.

Case Study 1: The Marsh Arabs of Iraq

• The Ma'dan (Marsh Arabs): An indigenous group in southern Iraq whose culture is deeply intertwined with the marshes, potentially the biblical Garden of Eden.
• Traditional Practices: Raising buffaloes for milk used to make "geymar" cream (a delicacy), building reed houses, and living on floating islands ("Chibayish").
• Climate Change Impacts: Droughts, water shortages, and increased salinity are devastating the marshes. Buffaloes can no longer drink the water, and the floating islands are disappearing.
• Social and Economic Consequences: Mass emigration of fishermen, potential desertification of the marshes, loss of economy, and displacement of indigenous people.
• Muntadhar Abdul Ali's Perspective: A young Iraqi activist working to raise awareness about the plight of the Marsh Arabs and preserve their culture. He emphasizes the importance of showing the marshes to the world and advocating for their protection as a national park.
• Quote: "We are depending only on the nature, only on the water. If the marsh disappeared, the fishermen, they start to emigrate. And I think the city, it will become like a ghost town." - Muntadhar Abdul Ali
• Data: Some areas have seen a reduction from 130 families to only 30 due to the drought.

Case Study 2: The Greenlandic Inuit Culture

• Traditional Practices: Relying on ice highways for travel and trade, hunting seals and caribou, dog sledding, and adhering to cultural morals based on nature's principles.
• Climate Change Impacts: Melting ice caps disrupt travel, warmer weather leads to diseases affecting sled dogs, and animal migration threatens food security.
• Cultural Significance of Nature: The land is crucial for understanding Greenlandic identity, with myths like the "mother of the sea" emphasizing respect for nature. Traditional costumes are made from natural materials like sealskin and pearls.
• Maya Natuk's Perspective: A young Inuit woman expressing concern about the loss of connection to ancestors and the impact of climate change on Greenlandic identity.
• Quote: "If we are losing the ice, it almost feels like if we're losing a part of ourselves and our connections to our ancestors and the principle that they lived after." - Maya Natuk
• Concerns: The potential loss of hunting traditions and the impact on young people's sense of identity and future prospects.

Preservation Efforts and Solutions

• Education: Both Muntadhar and Maya emphasize the importance of education to raise awareness about cultural heritage and identity, even if relocation becomes necessary.
• Activism: Muntadhar is actively involved in showing the marshes to people from around the world and advocating for their protection.
• UNESCO's Role: UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage scheme aims to preserve cultural practices at risk, as demonstrated by the example of the bandoneon in Uruguay and Argentina.

Globalization as a Threat

• Influence of American Culture: The rise of platforms like Netflix and TikTok is leading to a decline in interest in traditional cultures, particularly among younger generations.

Case Study 3: Bandoneon Preservation in Uruguay and Argentina

• The Bandoneon: A concertina instrument native to Uruguay and Argentina, central to tango dance culture.
• Threat: The instrument and its craftsmanship are dying out with the older generation of players.
• UNESCO Intervention: Free classes were established to teach young people how to play and make the bandoneon, as well as how to dance tango.

Synthesis/Conclusion

Climate change and globalization pose significant threats to cultural heritage around the world. The loss of traditional practices can have profound social, economic, and psychological impacts on communities. Preservation efforts, such as education, activism, and UNESCO's initiatives, are crucial for safeguarding cultural identity and ensuring that future generations can connect with their heritage. The personal stories of Muntadhar and Maya highlight the importance of individual action and the deep emotional connection people have to their land and traditions.