Climatic Change in the Arctic: Issues for Indigenous Peoples
- Paper number
IAC-04-P.E.8.08
- Author
Dr. David Raitt, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands
- Year
2004
- Abstract
The Arctic is recognized as the world’s climate change barometer, and human-induced climate changes are having an ever-increasing and detrimental impact not only on Arctic sea ice cover and coastal erosion, but also on Arctic vegetation, the ranges and diversity of Arctic animal species, and transportation. The warming of the Arctic is, however, not simply an environmental issue with unwelcome and global-reaching consequences, it is also an issue which directly affects the livelihood, culture and survival of the indigenous peoples living around the Arctic rim. This session will introduce the four year Arctic Climate Impact Assessment study whose goal is to evaluate and synthesize knowledge on climate variability, climate change, and increased ultraviolet radiation and their consequences. Due for release in November 2004, the study portrays a dire picture of these aspects all of which have become important issues in the Arctic. In addition, the study examines possible future impacts on the environment and its living resources, human health plus social and economic impacts. Such changes in the Arctic, measured and monitored by satellites as well as by ship and other platforms, have also been confirmed by the knowledge, experience and observations of indigenous peoples. The session will discuss the major effects due to climate and other environmental changes likely to face the indigenous communities and other Arctic residents. It will also show just how space activities are contributing to polar science and research, as well as helping to benefit the everyday lives of indigenous peoples living in the Arctic.
- Abstract document