Introduction

Indigenous groups have fought for decades against clean energy projects built near their territories. However, the number of such projects is growing. In Canada, about 200 clean energy projects are found on reserves. Globally, 54 percent of energy transition mineral projects are near Indigenous territories. These figures highlight the importance of respecting Indigenous rights in the pursuit of sustainable development. If projects are forced on Indigenous communities without their consent, they repeat past injustices. But if communities are asked and agree, these projects can help protect the land, preserve culture, and support local needs.

The Changing Roles in Indigenous Clean Energy Projects

A central issue is the right to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), which requires Indigenous approval before projects begin. Many governments ignore this right. In Nepal, the government has pushed hydropower projects to fight climate change. However, it has created hydropower projects without FPIC and ignored the concerns of over 30 Indigenous groups. In the Philippines, Indigenous groups face military and governmental threats when they resist dams and mining projects. For Indigenous communities, the energy shift is not only about clean power; it is also about protecting land, culture, and self-rule. These different values increase the conflict between governments and Indigenous groups.

Mining for the “green economy” adds further challenges. This aims to reduce harm to the environment, but can have unintended consequences. Globally, 69 percent of this mining takes place on Indigenous land. This is common in parts of southern Africa, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. These projects often proceed without meaningful consultation or consent. Mining operations can displace communities, contaminate water and soil, and damage sacred sites. Also, large-scale mining can raise local prices for housing and food. This increases the cost of living while providing few long-term benefits to Indigenous residents. As a result, efforts meant to promote environmental sustainability can instead undermine Indigenous livelihoods and quality of life.

Indigenous leaders are responding through global platforms like COP30, the UN climate conference, where world leaders meet to discuss climate solutions. Indigenous leaders have called for policies like Forest Tenure Pledge 2.0, a plan to secure at least 20 percent of new climate funding to Indigenous-led efforts. Policies like these are vital for countries to adopt so that climate projects can succeed without harming Indigenous people or their environment.

Approaches to Indigenous Rights: The United States and Canada 

The treatment of Indigenous rights in renewable energy development projects varies widely across countries. In North America, recent decisions illustrate two opposing paths. In October 2025, the United States approved new oil drilling in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Indigenous groups opposed the decision, arguing that it threatens sacred land and animals. This shows the clash between government priorities and Indigenous rights.

Canada, by contrast, has made Indigenous participation central to the renewable energy transition. The government has pledged over USD 40 million for Indigenous-led clean energy projects. These include solar power and heating systems designed and managed by Indigenous communities themselves. Such initiatives promote energy independence, local economic growth, and self-governance while advancing sustainability.

These choices matter for climate policy. Indigenous lands are home to 80 percent of the world’s biodiversity. Thus, protecting them is not only a moral responsibility but also essential for global climate stability. As Brazil’s Minister for Indigenous Peoples said at COP30, Indigenous land protection must be part of climate strategies. Canada’s example demonstrates how policies rooted in consultation and consent can create lasting progress. No single approach will work everywhere, but the transition to renewable energy will be more successful with the participation of the people most connected to the land.

Conclusion

Indigenous lands and rights are key to climate policy. Indigenous groups protect nature but are often excluded from decision-making processes. Ignoring their rights weakens climate efforts and deepens conflict. The green transition often clashes with Indigenous control of their land and FPIC. Yet, for Indigenous groups, climate action means justice and protecting one’s homes. Respecting Indigenous rights is a powerful way to protect the planet.

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