Climate Change Report Highlights Need for Specific Measures in Arctic Regions

National Inuit leader Mary Simon says the latest major climate change study again highlights the need for specific measures to assist Inuit and other aboriginal peoples adapt to the effects of global warming in Canada's Arctic regions. The report titled, From Impacts to Adaptation: Canada in a Changing Climate 2007, was released last Friday.

"This report provides an up-to-date snapshot of how climate change is affecting Canada," says Mary Simon. "Inuit contributed to this report along with scientists. Again, we have clear evidence of the Arctic being the most affected region of Canada, and its peoples the most vulnerable, with tangible effects on human health. The report supports what Inuit have been saying for years regarding the melting of permafrost, increased species coming into the Arctic, increased navigability of Arctic marine waters, and the increased pressure on Inuit to maintain our way of life."

Simon was critical of the report for once again improperly defining "Northern Canada" as being composed solely of the three territories - Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon. Nunavut and the Inuvialuit Region of the NWT are predominantly Arctic regions where Inuit live. "The Arctic doesn't follow provincial and territorial boundaries," commented Mary Simon, "The Nunavik region in Quebec, and the Nunatsiavut region in Newfoundland and Labrador are equally part of the Arctic and equally affected by the contents of this report."

In speeches delivered across Canada Mary Simon has made three key recommendations on what the government of Canada should do regarding climate change:

Convene a blue ribbon panel of civil society and industry leaders to advise the Federal Government on fully understanding how climate change is affecting the Canadian Arctic and how to assist Northerners to adapt to the changes already underway. This panel would be innovative, non-partisan and empowered to consult with ordinary Canadians

Then develop a comprehensive national climate change strategy for the Arctic with targets and timelines, connected to international processes, funding commitments, and tax incentives.

Select a model Inuit Community to evaluate strategies that will allow northern residents to cope with rapid Climate Change. We are suggesting Tuktoyaktuk. For example examining building and engineering challenges in an environment where the ground is now subject to much warmer temperatures for longer periods of time.
"I hope the Prime Minister takes time while he is at the Arctic Winter Games to contemplate our changing Arctic, and that the Minister of the Environment takes the time to read this report and develop specific measures to address the issues identified in the report for the people living in the Arctic. Our sovereignty is also at stake," concluded Mary Simon.

From Impacts to Adaptation: Canada in a Changing Climate 2007 is available on the Natural Resources Canada website.