In collaboration with the Sámi Parliament in Norway, the Saami Council has produced a report on climate change in Sápmi.
Read about the report and download it here
Saami Council hopes that the report will increase knowledge about climate change and related impacts in a Sámi context, and that it can be the start of more comprehensive work on the impacts of climate change in Sápmi and the Sámi people.
Some key findings:
- Climate change impacts in the Arctic are occurring at a magnitude and pace unprecedented in recent history, and much faster than projected for other regions of the world.
- Climate change in Sápmi is estimated to have far-reaching consequences for nature, ecosystems and their composition, and thus for the entire Sámi cultural landscape. As we, the Sámi people, have a strong connection to the land through our cultural practices, traditions and livelihoods, changes in environmental conditions have a direct impact on our society.
- Research and testimonies from Sámi knowledge holders show that Sámi culture has already had to adapt to the ongoing change and adjusted activities and cultural practices due to for example unsafe ice and snow conditions, new seasonal weather conditions, and changes in species distribution and abundance.
- There is a large knowledge gap and a critical need for a greater focus on health and well-being in relation to climate change and changed environments in Sápmi, from a broader perspective.
Meeting the projected challenges will require targeted and coordinated action from Sámi organizations and representative institutions, and national governments, at all levels.
Enabling factors needed include increased flexibility, strong Sámi institutions, and proper recognition and use of Sámi Indigenous Knowledge.
Overarching and fundamental for these actions is the full recognition of Sámi rights, self-determination, and partnership with the Sámi people.
(This text is excerpts from information about the report at the Saami Councils webpage.)
