Climate Science & Traditional Knowledge
Two Ways of Understanding Environmental Change in Aotearoa
Exploring how modern climate science and traditional Māori environmental knowledge provide complementary approaches to understanding and responding to environmental change.
Complementary Ways of Knowing Our Changing Environment
Climate change affects everyone, but it particularly threatens indigenous communities who depend directly on natural systems. Understanding environmental change through both modern climate science and traditional knowledge creates more complete understanding and better solutions.
"He taonga te taiao, he taonga hoki te tangata"
The environment is a treasure, and people are a treasure too - both must be protected
Ngā Tahua Mātauranga - Two Knowledge Systems
Mātauranga Māori - Traditional Environmental Knowledge
- Long-term Observation: Environmental patterns observed over centuries
- Holistic Understanding: Sees connections between all parts of ecosystems
- Place-based Knowledge: Deep understanding of specific local environments
- Cultural Indicators: Environmental health linked to cultural practices
- Intergenerational Responsibility: Decisions consider seven generations ahead
Modern Climate Science
- Global Data Collection: Satellite and sensor networks worldwide
- Mathematical Modeling: Computer simulations of climate systems
- Quantitative Analysis: Precise measurements and statistical analysis
- Controlled Experiments: Laboratory studies of climate processes
- Predictive Capability: Models forecast future climate scenarios
Integration Strength
Traditional knowledge provides context, local detail, and long-term perspective; climate science provides global patterns, precise measurement, and predictive modeling. Together, they create more complete understanding than either alone.
Waitaki - Traditional Environmental Indicators in Aotearoa
How Traditional Knowledge Tracks Environmental Change
For centuries, Māori observed subtle environmental changes through interconnected natural indicators. These observations weren't casual—they were systematic, passed down through generations, and essential for survival. Today, climate scientists recognize these traditional indicators as sophisticated environmental monitoring systems.
Seasonal Timing Changes
- Matariki rising: Traditional winter solstice timing vs current timing
- Pohutukawa flowering: Earlier flowering indicates warmer temperatures
- Bird migration: Changed arrival/departure times
- Fish runs: Altered timing of seasonal fish movements
Ocean and Coastal Changes
- Sea level rise: Traditional fishing spots now underwater
- Ocean temperature: Different fish species appearing
- Storm patterns: More frequent or intense coastal storms
- Seaweed behavior: Changes in growth patterns and species
Ecosystem Health Indicators
- Mauri of waterways: Traditional assessments of river/lake health
- Plant communities: Invasive species and native plant stress
- Insect patterns: Changes in beneficial and pest insect timing
- Soil health: Traditional indicators of soil fertility and erosion
Weather Pattern Changes
- Cloud formations: Traditional weather prediction signs changing
- Wind patterns: Altered seasonal wind directions and strength
- Rainfall timing: Traditional wet/dry seasons shifting
- Extreme events: Increased frequency of unusual weather
Integration Example: Pohutukawa Flowering & Temperature Data
Traditional knowledge: Pohutukawa trees flowering earlier each year (observed by kaumātua). Climate science: Temperature data showing December temperatures 1.2°C warmer than 50 years ago. Together: Early flowering confirms temperature rise and shows how warming affects native species.
This integration provides both scientific validation and cultural meaning, showing how climate change affects culturally significant species.