Community Adaptation And Vulnerability In Arctic Regions

Barry Smit

Arctic communities are experiencing global, societal and economic pressures coupled with additional environmental changes. The comparison of local and indigenous observations with instrumental records clearly illustrates how Arctic communities, both now and in the past, have adapted to a variety of changes and risks affecting their livelihoods. Projections of future climate change indicate a further reduction in sea ice extent and stability, change to the frequency and intensity of weather events and seasonal transition, alteration in the abundance and distribution of fish and terrestrial biodiversity, and lessening permafrost stability. All these factors will affect Arctic resident's livelihoods and wellbeing. Under the auspices of the International Polar Year 2007-2008 (IPY), the CAVIAR consortium was formed with partners from all eight Arctic countries as a response to the need for...