ArcticNet - Research Projects - Phase I

Cycle 1 (2004-2011)

Phase 1 (2004-2008)

Phase 2 (2008-2011)

Theme 4 - Adapting to Change in the Canadian Arctic: Knowledge Transfer, Policies & Strategies

In the decades to come, the Arctic will be a region of change, with much of the change being exerted due to actions outside the region. Already communities throughout the Canadian Arctic are experiencing significant changes in environmental conditions. These changes, occurring in the context of rapid social, economic, and political change, are posing significant risks to the culture, livelihood, and health of northerners. Many of these changes are predicted to continue into the future, reinforcing the need for action now. Governments, communities and individuals facing these changes need directly relevant information for the development of policies and adaptation strategies. In response to this identified need, the focus of Theme 4 is to provide relevant information to aid policy and decision makers in the development of policies and strategies for adapting to a changing Arctic environment.

Within Theme 4, changing vulnerabilities to natural and human-made hazards as well as impacts on human health, communities, and marine transport will be investigated from a variety of social, economic, environmental, political, and health perspectives. To increase the ability of communities to adapt to these changes, both current and future, projects in Theme 4 will contribute to the development of adaptation initiatives. In identifying such initiatives projects include Inuit as partners in research and seek to incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Inuit Knowledge) in the development of policies and strategies.

Theme 4 investigators will work to maximize integration and communication across the four themes and individual projects. Through the direct involvement of partners in government, Inuit organizations and communities, the key issues, knowledge gaps and priorities related to adapting to climate and other changes in the coastal Canadian Arctic will be identified. An open-dialogue between ArcticNet researchers and policy and decision-makers will be facilitated. The goal of this theme is to make certain that two-way knowledge transfer occurs in the relevant societal and political framework necessary to affect change and build capacity in the Canadian Arctic.

Theme Leader: Gordon McBean
Theme Coordinator: Leslie Coates

Project Titles

   4.1 Projecting into the Future: the Canadian Arctic Environment, Tomorrow to 2100

   4.2 Reducing Human Vulnerability to Environmental Changes in the Canadian Arctic

   4.3 Vulnerabilities and Adaptation to Meteorological and Related Hazards

   4.4 Climate Change, Key Traditional Food Species and Community Health in the Arctic

   4.5 Surveillance and Management of Climate Change Impacts in the North: Implications for Northern Public Health Policy and Infrastructure

   4.6 Conservation, economic development and community values: legal, policy and ethical perspectives

   4.7 Science-Policy Interactions

   4.8 Strengthening Climate Cooperation, Compliance & Coherence