Paper short abstract:

The Q’eqchi’ Maya agrees with Western science that deforestation causes changes in weather and climate. However, the manners in which this link is articulated are nevertheless grounded in two distinct and discrepant ontologies. This paper examines alternative understandings of climate change.

Paper long abstract:

The Q'eqchi' Maya of Chisec in Guatemala experience first hand a number of changes in weather and climate. They complain of hotter and drier weather as well as less wind and thunder. To a large extent they claim that these changes are due to deforestation. In accordance with Western science, the Q'eqchi' Maya readily agree that deforestation causes changes in climate. There is nevertheless a striking difference as to why and how this linkage is construed, which is the main focus of this paper.

Central to Q'eqchi' cosmology stands the belief in tzuultaq'as, deified spirit beings inhabiting caves and hills throughout the Q'eqchi' region. The tzuultaq'as are owners of all things that exist upon earth and as such they control everything from animals, plants, and the weather. Therefore, humans are required to observe a morally and ritually correct behavior in order for to be allowed to hunt game, enjoy bountiful crops and good health. Deforestation is a major threat to Q'eqchi' livelihood since as they say, a hill with no trees growing on it equals a dead tzuultaq'a. If local tzuultaq'as are absent, the Q'eqchi' people say that there is no one left to care for the people. Thus, with deforestation follows the disappearance of tzuultaq'as along with game animals, the chance to enjoy bountiful harvests as well as uncontrolled and unpredictable weather and climate. Thus, while both the Q'eqchi' Maya and Western science claim that deforestation causes climate change this correlation rests on two distinct ontological realities.