Despite contributing the least to greenhouse gas emissions, Indigenous Peoples bear the brunt of climate change. As a consequence, they are often one of the first to suffer from extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, and are given little to no resources to cope with the effects of climate change.
In order to reduce climate change impacts, mitigate climate inequities, and achieve climate justice, Indigenous Peoples must be championed in their fight and advocacy for their land rights. Indigenous Peoples are deeply connected to their lands, and therefore have been able to work and use their lands sustainably, steward them successfully, and heal them from environmental degradation caused by climate change. In her research, Dr. Hernandez aims to develop sustainable land-based solutions for building climate resilience and securing the future of Indigenous Peoples. In order to mitigate and adapt to climate change, she works with Indigenous communities to identify sustainable, equitable, and culturally appropriate climate solutions. She advocates for Indigenous land rights within global frameworks and sectoral norms, and pushes for land rights to be incorporated into national policies and incorporated into local initiatives. It is crucial that Indigenous land rights are respected and protected, and that governments address legal gaps, such as land tenure issues, that prevent Indigenous people from accessing their land.