The Hmong people of northern Vietnam, who have lived in the mountains for generations, are facing growing challenges due to climate change. Their traditional way of life, based on terraced rice farming, is under threat from rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and more frequent landslides. These conditions damage their ancestral paddies and reduce crop yields, leading to food shortages. The changing climate also affects the availability of medicinal plants crucial to their health practices and cultural identity, as forests shrink and ecosystems degrade.
As their environment deteriorates, many Hmong communities are seeking new ways to survive. Some are developing tourism initiatives or crafting traditional goods to generate income, while others move to cities in search of employment. This shift reflects a broader global trend where indigenous groups are pressured to adapt amid environmental collapse. The report underscores the urgent need for sustainable support systems that protect both cultural heritage and livelihoods in the face of ongoing climate impacts.