Credit: U.S. Geological survey IBCAO Terrametrics
Historically a fishing and hunter-gatherer community, many Inughuit have now transitioned to wage labour professions. However, in both cases, the impacts of climate change are severe and pose a challenge to their daily lives. Changes in the duration and quality of sea ice have significant implications for traditional livelihoods activities, mobility, and their local economies.
INUGHUIT COMMUNITY OF QAANAAQ
Qaanaaq, known as the hunters/trappers town, has a population of over 600 people that originally migrated from Canada around 1100 CE.
Fisher/hunter (seasonal income.)
Wage labour (steady income.)
Credit: Leneisja Jungsberg
ACTIVITIES
Many Inughuit still engage in traditional activities that supplement income and preserve their identity and heritage.
Fishing: Greenland halibut, Artic char, and whales.
Hunting: seals, polar bears, musk ox, walrus.
Gathering: berry and plant picking.
TERRITORY AND CLIMATE
Credit: Leneisja Jungsberg
Cold tundra
CLIMATE
Changes in the climate
-20 ºC to -30 °C, avg. winter, polar nights
14-20°C, avg. 24-hour daylights
The Arctic has warmed nearly four times faster than the globe in the last 40 years.
Polynya: open sea surrounded by sea-ice, from October to June.
Increased wind storms and decreased snowfalls.
Reduced duration of the polynya. Melting and retreating of glaciers.
ACCESS TO NATURAL RESOURCES
Changes in the territory
Houses are prone to deformations due to permafrost thawing. Unpredictable sea-ice duration and extent pose risks to wildlife and people.
Polynya offers abundant wildlife and is a traditional hunting area for local communities.
See-ice is a ground for hunting, fishing, and transport.
The disappearance of polynya alters species composition, including the appearance of cod and capelin, and has led to the arrival of tourist cruises to the detriment of short-term traditional tourists.
VOICES OF LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Climate change is not the primary driver of change in Qaanaaq. The lack of economic support from the Nuuk government regarding transportation and social services is adversely impacting this community. Additionally, the lack of housing causes challenges especially for newcomers and to some extent hinders the development of sustainable tourism.
Drivers of change
Wind is warmer and there are more mosquitoes because they have longer breeding seasons.
I see more landslides today than before’. Water is coming out from the mountains behind Qaanaaq town.
Safe sea-ice appears later. Now there can be open water until January.
It’s better and cheaper with a snowmobile than sledding dogs.
My entrance door doesn’t close any more. Houses are damaged by the melting of the permafrost but we don’t get enough support.
Youngs have to move away to pursue education and work, and to keep the town attractive we need hotels and fish factories.
We need doctors and a hospital, teachers and a school…to keep our village alive.
Polar wolves are closer to town.
Credit: Leneisja Jungsberg
Credit: Leneisja Jungsberg
Credit: Leneisja Jungsberg
Credit: Leneisja Jungsberg
IMPACTS ON LIVELIHOODS AND CULTURE
Credit: Leneisja Jungsberg
Fishing and hunting are now more common leisure activities
Inughuit’s traditional way of life included fishing and hunting, but the younger generation now leans towards wage labor due to changing conditions and opportunities, while still engaging in hunting and fishing recreationally.
Credit: Leneisja Jungsberg
Keep the sled from falling
Reduced snowfall affects dog sled performance and raises injury risks. Dogs become burdensome as their costs outweigh their benefits for subsistence activities, leading more residents to choose snowmobiles.
Credit: Leneisja Jungsberg
Water, a costly resource even if surrounded by it
In summer, town water is sourced from the river and reservoirs are filled for extended supply. In winter, ice from the frozen sea melts in a water plant. Unpredictable ice conditions complicate the operation and may cause shortages.
ENVISIONING A CLIMATE CHANGE-PROOF FUTURE
The memories of our culture are at stake
The effects of climate change impact families devoted to traditional livelihoods in Qaanaaq. With snow, ice, and winds becoming less predictable, hunting areas and days are declining, and flora and fauna migration routes are changing.
Dog sled: used for hunting and tourism
Dog sleds have been an integral part of the Inughuit traditional lifestyle. However, the number of dog-sled rides has decreased in favor of the snowmobile. While the dog sleds have historically served for hunting, they have also become a tourist attraction, providing a new source of income.
Cruise tourism in the northern most town of Greenland
Due to limited flights arriving in Qaanaaq, the number of tourists who can stay for several days to experience the local lifestyle and area is restricted. Instead, several large cruise ships arrive during the summer months, flooding the town with tourists for a couple of hours. Unfortunately, this influx does not lead to any positive spill-over effect on the local economy.
SUPPORTING HERITAGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH LOCAL COMMUNITIES
New policies and investment incentives should encourage the profitability of traditional fishing and hunting activities by promoting an industry based on local species and ancestral techniques. Additional subsidies or programs to revitalize the region should help guarantee income during non-fishing and hunting months.
DEVELOPING A SUSTAINABLE TOURISM INDUSTRY FOR ALL
Local hunters cooperatives and local restaurateurs should manage tourism activities by themselves getting most of the profit. The right blend of regulations and incentives can discourage low-engagement tourism facilitated by transatlantic cruise ships and encourage sustainable tourism that respects and appreciates the culture and traditional lifestyles of the community.
Credit: Leneisja Jungsberg
PUBLICATIONS
Jungsberg et al (2021) Adaptive Capacity to manage permafrost degradation in Northwest Greenland. Polar Geography.
Adaptive capacity to manage permafrost degradation in Northwest Greenland (tandfonline.com)
FIELDWORK CONDUCTED BY
Leneisja Jungsberg
