Nunavik has recently published its first climate change adaptation strategy, with the aim of enabling the territory to meet the challenges posed by global warming.
Increasingly violent fires, melting permafrost, extreme weather phenomena and record heat. Nunavik is not immune to the consequences of global warming.
In response, the Makivvik Corporation, an organization that represents and defends the interests of Nunavik Inuit, launched its first global warming adaptation strategy last Wednesday at its Annual General Meeting. “The Strategy is more than simply a document, it is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Nunavik Inuit and their unwavering commitment to protecting their land, water, wildlife and future generations.”, says Adamie Delisle Alaku, Excecutive Vice-President of the Department of Environment, Wildlife and Research in the preface.
Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, Nunavik communities face disproportionate impacts from climate change, including food insecurity, melting permafrost, increased extreme weather events, and shifting ice patterns, states a press release issued by Makivvik on April 17.
That’s why it’s so important for the territory to develop an adaptation strategy to safeguard Nunavik Inuit culture and ways of life that are deeply rooted in the natural environment.
Makivvik began work on this strategy in 2019 with a first regional workshop on climate change. This was the starting point for a project that has involved over 150 people.
The strategy will be used to coordinate the efforts of governments, businesses and regional organizations, and to manage funding so that Nunavik can meet the region’s climate change adaptation needs and priorities.
Divided into four pillars, the strategy aims to advance Nunavik’s self-determination, and gives priority to improving health and safety, protecting built infrastructure and improving the delivery of essential services.
Thus, strengthening Inuit knowledge in scientific research, providing access to drinking water, improving air quality, better preparing for emergencies (landslides, tundra fires, etc.), protecting archaeological sites in the face of climate change, and improving communication routes and access to traditional food are all part of Nunavik’s strategy for adapting to climate change.
As Hilda Snow, President of the Kativik Regional Government (KRG), points out in a press release published on April 18 on the KRG website: “[…] Our ability to implement sustainable, impactful climate change adaptation depends on the collaboration and commitment of all partners, including the governments of Quebec and Canada.”
To implement the strategy, Makivvik recommends using it as a guide or, for Nunavik organizations and communities, as an advocacy tool, particularly when applying for government funding.
Link to the document : https://www.makivvik.ca/nunavik-climate-change-adaption-strategy/#1
Mirjana Binggeli, Polar Journal AG
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