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North3 is sponsored by Canada's embassies in circumpolar countries in cooperation with the IISD. Please visit us!
Canada's Embassy:
· in Russia
· in Finland
· in Sweden
· in Norway
· in Denmark
· in Iceland
· Canada and the Circumpolar World
2007-08 is the International Polar Year, involving an extensive program of scientific research about the North. The International Polar Year is also an occasion to reflect on the circumpolar world and consider what steps we should take to ensure a brighter future for our common northern home.
Communication across vast northern distances was once very slow and difficult. Today, the internet allows us to share easily our experiences and points of view. By learning about each other, we will help our North develop, and grow stronger.
Climate change has become a very urgent issue for the world's polar regions. These regions are already experiencing some of its most serious and wide-ranging effects. Arctic residents, as well as Arctic plants, animals and ecosystems are very vulnerable to future climatic changes, such as increasing temperatures.
Climate change may affect lifestyles dependent on herding, hunting, fishing and gathering. Roads, bridges and other infrastructure may be affected by thawing permafrost. Shrinking sea ice may expose coastal communities to greater storm surges. There may be health effects from reduced availability of traditional food sources. Health may also be affected by a decrease in the quality and quantity of water and from exposure to different diseases.
Changes in snow and ice cover, thawing permafrost and increasing ocean temperatures will influence plant lifecycles. The diversity of animal species may also be affected, along with their food sources and migration patterns. The overall result will be increased pressure on Arctic plants, animals and ecosystems.
The polar bear is an example of a species affected by climate change. Because of shrinking ice cover, the bears are having greater difficulty hunting seals, their main food source. The average body weight of polar bears is declining, fewer polar bear cubs are being born, and their survival rate is lower.
How well we learn to adapt to the effects of climate change will help determine the quality of life in the North.