National Inuit Climate Change Strategy.

Abstract

We understand climate change in our homelands, and our leaders are responding to it. Inuit Nunangat is recognized as a global climate change hotspot, garnering national and global concern. We continue to emphasize that no one is more aware or concerned about the changes taking place in our homelands and their consequences than Inuit, as evidenced by our strident and effective advocacy for global action on climate change over the last three decades. We have an intimate understanding of how climate change is impacting the physical environment, and the wildlife and ecosystems that sustain us. We are deeply concerned about the complex impacts of climate change on our social, cultural and economic systems, and our health and well-being. Our vision and priorities must guide climate action that affects Inuit Nunangat Coordinated, effective action to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change is essential. We are determined to actively shape climate policies and actions so that they are inclusive and effective for Inuit, improving our quality of life rather than adding to the socio-economic inequities we already face. We emphasize that we have critical contributions to make to climate policy and decision-making as rightsholders and knowledge-holders first and foremost. Our message is that for climate actions to be effective, appropriate, equitable, and sustainable for Inuit Nunangat, they must be in line with our collective Inuit vision for building the sustainability, prosperity, and well-being of our communities in the face of a changing climate. This vision and its context are described in detail in Part I of the Strategy.