Ancient Culture Faces Extinction Due to Climate Crisis

The Uru Chipaya, one of South America's most ancient civilizations, are facing an existential threat as climate change ravages their homeland in Bolivia's Altiplano. Once known as the "people of water," their traditions are now on the brink due to persistent drought, increasing soil salinity, and a significant exodus of their people seeking opportunities in Chile. The nearby Lake Poopó, once Bolivia's second-largest lake, has completely vanished, and traditional crops are failing, intensifying food insecurity.

This environmental crisis has prompted an estimated 60% of Chipaya's 2,000 inhabitants to migrate, predominantly to Chile, for employment and a more stable future. This migration leads to profound cultural loss, as younger generations adopt new languages and customs, and elders worry about the erosion of their unique heritage. Poverty remains a severe issue, with over 67% of the Chipaya population considered poor, exacerbating the challenges of survival.