Paper short abstract:

The history for the Totonac population of Mexico consists in a systemic interaction between different human groups and the natural world. Meteorological phenomena take part of the model of order or of chaos. This holistic view permits to the Totonacs become active participants.

Paper long abstract:

The objective of this proposal is to present the results of a longitudinal case study (33 years) on climate representation realized in the Totonac population in the state of Veracruz of Mexico. The methodology consisted in participant observations, in systematic interviews and in documentary analyses during the period between 1982 until 2015. First, the representation of climate and of meteorological phenomena of the Totonacs will be presented in relationship with the human and the biophysical-world's history. Than, the perception of the first signs of climate change's impacts (from 1985) will be analyzed in comparison with the "green" model of energy resources.. The specificity of the holistic view of "climate change" in the Totonac perception will be presented. Finally, we will situate the actual political actions of the Totonacs against the sources of climate change, their fight to survive, to adapt and to protect their communities against the consequences of climate change in relationship with their systemic view. The results will be analysed in the light of relevant literature.