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Pabalate 1 Matthew Pabalate Professor Radcliff Reading and Written…
Pabalate 1 Matthew Pabalate Professor Radcliff Reading and Written Composition April 21, 2023 The Impact of Climate Change on Indigenous People in the Arctic Climate change remains a widely debated issue and poses one of the most significant worldwide risks to society. The melting of polar ice caps, increased occurrences of severe weather conditions such as storms and hurricanes, and a rising average temperature of the planet are some of the effects that have been observed. The primary cause of global warming is the emission of greenhouse gasses resulting from human activities such as factory operations, drilling, and transportation. Although the effects of these emissions may not be immediately apparent, they impact everyone to some extent. Climate change has negatively impacted indigenous people in the Arctic region through the melting of permafrost, decline in fish populations, loss of traditional hunting grounds, and rising sea levels. Melting permafrost is a significant impact of climate change on indigenous people in the Arctic region. Permafrost is a layer of frozen soil that is usually found in areas where temperatures remain below freezing for at least two years. According to PBS, a feedback loop has been created where “warmer temperatures thaw more soil, releasing more organic material for microbes to feast on and produce more greenhouse gasses.” Large lakes have also been drained through unfrozen soil that gradually deepens until the permafrost is penetrated and the water drains away (Lara). The livelihoods of those who rely on fishing for their subsistence are being negatively impacted by draining riverbanks caused by melting permafrost. This is also contributing to the climate change problem by creating an endless cycle of greenhouse gas Pabalate 2 release. The melting of permafrost has significant and wide-reaching impacts on indigenous people in the Arctic region, which threatens their livelihoods and physical safety. The decline of fish populations in the Arctic region due to climate change is another significant impact on indigenous people. “The rate of climate change in the Arctic is two to three times faster than the global average which impacts Arctic marine food webs through sea ice loss, ocean warming, and other changes.” Fishers may also have to switch to new species, such as the Pacific Salmon, which they might have little to no knowledge of or is different from their traditions (Falardeau). This decline in fish populations is not only a threat to the food security and cultural practices of these communities, but also to their economic livelihoods, as many indigenous people in the Arctic region rely on fishing as a source of income. The loss of fish populations also affects the interconnected ecosystem, which can lead to further consequences such as increased predator populations or further declines in other species. Overall, the decline in fish populations in the Arctic region due to climate change is having a significant impact on indigenous people, threatening their food security, cultural practices, and economic well-being. The loss of traditional hunting grounds in the Arctic region due to climate change is another significant impact on indigenous people. Global warming has caused creatures, such as narwhal to come much later in the year, effectively shortening the duration of hunting season. A woman in Qaanaaq recalls how “the ice was so thin that a young hunter and his dog team of 12 fell through to their deaths. If the sea ice goes completely, there will be no need for the dogs [huskies] and [their] culture will disappear” (Leonard). Hunting is a cultural practice that has provided them with sustenance and a connection to their cultural heritage for generations. This shift in the patterns of animal migration is making it increasingly difficult for indigenous communities to hunt and trap animals, which is affecting their food security, cultural practices, Pabalate 3 and economic well-being. In addition, the loss of traditional hunting grounds can also have psychological and emotional impacts on indigenous people, as these lands hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for them. Overall, the loss of traditional hunting grounds due to climate change is having a significant impact on indigenous people in the Arctic region, threatening their cultural heritage, food security, and economic livelihoods, as well as their emotional well-being. Sea level rise is a significant impact of climate change on indigenous people in the Arctic region. Several changes that scientists have observed include some glaciers disappearing entirely across Alaska, increased surface melt on Arctic glaciers and ice caps, and on the Greenland Ice Sheet, and faster ice motion in many Arctic glaciers (Scambos). The melting of ice sheets and glaciers is causing the sea level to rise, which is affecting many coastal communities in the Arctic. Many indigenous communities in the Arctic region are located along the coast, and rising sea levels are putting their homes and infrastructure at risk of flooding and erosion. This poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of these communities. Additionally as previously stated, rising sea levels can also affect the availability of freshwater sources, as saltwater can contaminate groundwater and surface water in coastal areas. The loss of freshwater sources can have significant impacts on the food security and health of indigenous communities in the Arctic region. Overall, sea level rise is a significant impact of climate change on indigenous people in the Arctic region, posing threats to their physical safety, cultural heritage, and food security. Climate change has adversely affected indigenous people residing in the Arctic region. This is evident from the melting of permafrost, decline in fish populations, loss of traditional hunting grounds, and rising sea levels. Indigenous people in the Arctic region are taking various actions to fight climate change. Indigenous people and researchers have had more mutually beneficial research and studies done for climate change. Additionally, many indigenous Pabalate 4 communities are advocating for policy changes that address the root causes of climate change, such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. They are also working to ensure that their voices are heard in international climate negotiations, advocating for climate justice and equitable climate policies. Overall, indigenous people in the Arctic region are taking proactive steps to combat climate change and protect their communities and way of life for future generations.
Answer these 11 question
RECORD YOUR RESPONSES TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS EITHER IN THE SPACES BELOW OR ON SEPARATE
SHEET(S) OF PAPER.
Read the paper through once, rather quickly, without pausing to write comments. Then put the paper aside and
answer the following questions without looking back. (If you can’t answer the question, write “I don’t know.”)
1. What single feature of the paper stands out to you as a reader?
2. What do you think is the writer’s main point?
3. Was there anything in the paper that seemed confusing to you? (If so, explain briefly).
Now reread the paper, making any comments in the margins you feel would be helpful. Try to com-ment on
development and organization of ideas: Do you understand the points the writer is trying to make? Do ideas
seem well-connected? Remember, you are not being asked to evaluate the paper; you are being asked to
respond to it with an eye toward helping the writer improve it.
4. Underline the thesis statement. Is it clearly stated? If not, what seems confusing?
5. Is there any place where the writer needs to support an idea with more concrete detail or explanation? If so,
where?
6. How well does the writer make transitions between his/her main ideas? Identify places that need better
transitions.
7. How well does the writer use quotations or citations of ideas form the sources. Are source(s) referenced
appropriately? If a citation is missing state where.
8. List at least two ways in which the essay could be improved.
9. List at least two things you like about the paper.
10. What would you like to know more about? What questions do you still have?
11. Ask of the essay “so what?” after you finish reading. Write sentence or two paraphrasing the point of the
paper, answering the question, “in what way(s) is this interesting, surprising, intriguing, etc.?” If the paper lacks
a “so what,” point that out and discuss the possibilities.
