Climate change policy responses for Canada’s Inuit population

• Main Authors: Pearce, T, Ford, J, Duerden, F, Furgal, C, Dawson, J, Smit, B
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: English
• Published: ArcticNet Inc. 2013
• Subjects: FoR 0502 (Environmental Science and Management); FoR 1604 (Human Geography); Inuit; climate change; Arctic; ArcticNet; Climate change; inuit; Sea ice
• Online Access: http://www.arcticnetmeetings.ca/asm2013/

We identify and examine how policy intervention can help Canada’s Inuit population adapt to climate change. Information from across the Canadian Arctic is drawn upon to provide an integrated analysis of adaptation policy opportunities that are relevant and applicable to communities located in the ArcticNet IRIS 1 boundaries and elsewhere in the Canadian Arctic. The policy responses are based on an understanding of the determinants of vulnerability identified in ArcticNet supported research conducted with 22 Inuit communities. A consistent approach was used in each case study where vulnerability is conceptualized as a function of exposure-sensitivity to climatic risks and adaptive capacity to deal with those risks. This conceptualization focuses on the biophysical and human determinants of vulnerability and how processes and conditions operating at multiple spatial and temporal scales infl uence them. Vulnerability is assessed in the context of multiple stressors, climate and non-climate related, which influence how climate change is experienced and conditions adaptation. Case studies involved close collaboration with community members and policy makers to identify conditions to which each community is currently vulnerable, characterize the factors that shape vulnerability and how they have changed over time, identify opportunities for adaptation policy, and examine how adaptation can be mainstreamed. Fieldwork, conducted between 2006 and 2012, included over 745 semi-structured interviews, 35 focus groups/ community workshops, and over 107 interviews with policy makers at local, regional, and national levels. Based on a synthesis of findings across the case studies, realizing adaptive capacity and overcoming adaptation barriers requires policy intervention to: (1) support the teaching and transmission of environmental knowledge and land skills, (2) improve access to, and understanding of climate, weather and sea ice information, (3) review and enhance search and rescue capabilities, (4) strengthen harvester support programs, (5) ensure the fl exibility of fish and wildlife management regimes, (6) improve the ability of Inuit food systems to meet present dietary and nutritional requirements, (7) protect key infrastructure, (8) review building codes and land-use plans in light of current and expected climate change, (9) improve support for local economic development and entrepreneurial training and (10) establish ‘special hunting areas’ prohibited to commercial shipping and cruise ship tourism.