Arctic peoples claim their right to cold temperatures as their home melts

The world changes, while parts of the globe are heating up others are getting cooler. Its happened many times throughout history.We can't stop the ice caps from melting, it is ludicrous to think we can. Like an ice cube will melt, so eventually will the remnants of the last ice age. The next ice age might see the frozen areas in the middle of the globe, who knows.

Really? Where's your data for that? And while the melting in the Arctic may well have reached a tipping point (due in great part to human apathy,) I wonder if you even understand why that is. Do you understand that human behavior in the pumping out of more than 70 million tons of climate change pollution into the atmosphere every day has worked to exacerbate the pace of this warming and interfere with the natural processes and flow of this planet's ecosystems? Do you not understand the effects this is having and going to have on the lives of real people? Or do you not care?

This same rote cavalier response is also part of the problem. The fact that this time it is being exacerbated by the tons of crap we put up in the atmosphere now and have put up there for well over a century and longer, and the tons of trees we cut down everyday that we really don't need, and the tons of pollution we dump into every orafice of this planet makes absolutely no difference? Just what planet are people who believe that living on?

Edit by JanforGore: To clarify as well, neither I nor any scientist I have read disputes that natural variances fluctuate and have some effect on the Earth's processes. However, the Arctic has lost two trillion tons of ice in the short span of only five years. We cannot ignore this and continue to have the attitude that "changes happen" so therefore nothing can be done about it or that we are not exacerbating this melting with what we are putting in the atmosphere. It is like tobacco companies denying their products cause lung cancer.

Anything we do to urgently cut GHG emissions NOW will pay off in the future in working to slow down the effects of climate change ( mainly the methane emissions the melting permafrost is also unleashing) and hopefully avert more tipping points. I do not understand how anyone who states they care for this planet would be against taking measures to preserve the sustainability of this planet, unless their salary or politics dictated another opinion.

From the article:

"Climate change is rapidly changing the ecology of the Arctic and creating a crisis for the 160,000 indigenous people in the region, collectively known as Inuit, who are thinly spread along the edges of the Arctic Ocean in Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia and the U.S. state of Alaska.

The region is too cold for trees, and only grass and small bushes can survive the short three-month summer where temperatures average 6 to 8 degrees Celsius.

During the nine-month cold season the land and sea are snow-covered and frozen. In winter, because the sun does not rise over the horizon, darkness reigns 24 hours a day and the average temperature is -30 degrees C, reaching -60 C on the coldest of days.

Despite these challenging conditions, the Inuit have survived there for thousands of years, hunting seals, walrus, whales and caribou.

They once lived in houses made of whalebone and thick clumps of grass and earth, as well as houses made of snow. Today they live in wooden houses made of materials imported from thousands of kilometres away.

But their land of snow and ice that sustained them for so long is melting as average temperatures climb two to three times faster than anywhere else in the world.

"We live off the land hunting and fishing for our food, but that is getting harder and harder because everything is changing," Simon told Tierramérica.

Leader of Canada’s Inuit and former Canadian ambassador to Denmark, Simon was born in the village of Kangiqsualujjuaq, in the extreme north of Quebec province. Tierramérica spoke with her in Quebec City.

TIERRAMÉRICA: How is climate change affecting the Inuit?

MARY SIMON: Rapid climate change in the Arctic has affected the permafrost (the permanently frozen surface layer of the soil) and our communities which are built on the permafrost. Climate change is accelerating the erosion of our coasts, causing floods and introducing insects that Inuit have never seen before.

The scientific predictions for what we can expect in the Arctic region in the not so distant future are alarming. No, "alarming" is not a strong enough word; "terrifying" is better suited for the hunter who is lost on shifting ice and the homeowner whose house is splitting in half as the foundation sinks.

TIERRAMÉRICA: What would you say to world leaders, who in December 2009 are to approve a climate agreement to succeed the Kyoto Protocol and establish emissions reductions for climate-changing greenhouse gases?

MS: They are not making the connection with what is happening in the Arctic. Climate change is a human issue first and foremost. We Inuit have to live with the effects of climate change every single day. We live off the land hunting and fishing for our food, but that is getting harder and harder because everything is changing.

We have to buy more food from the south (southern Canada), and it is very expensive, so people are forced to buy the cheapest food, which is usually junk food. There rarely is fresh produce or meat in our stores and this is affecting our health.

For the Inuit, a conversation on climate change takes a broad, holistic view that touches on the interconnections between our environment, our politics and our social, economic and cultural well-being.

TIERRAMÉRICA: What is the way forward on tackling the global issue of climate change?

MS: Shallow fixes won’t do it. We need to re-think, re-tool and re-engineer the way we do things so that we are less dependent on fossil fuels. We need a suite of inter-related polices, including an energy policy, an industrial policy, a transportation, and an urban policy, to make us radically less dependent on greenhouse gas fuels.

We need real action on required emissions cuts and we need leadership.

There is no doubt.we need to change how we treat mother earth.You won't get me to argue that point. And ..the sad thing is that we have known for years. The fact that a can of tuna is bad for our kids should wake people up. But things can only change if we make them change. In all this big leap to a global society just look at how many ships pollute our oceans everyday? Air travel is a major factor, yet we worry how to save the airlines. But you missed my point in trying to marginalize what I know or don't know. I am well aware of both sides. I was addressing neither, This thing with the melting caps is begger than mans output of co2. It just happens, the ice age melts, sad fact. The Ice age, is what permitted our whole way of life, evolution, plant life, animal etc. but all things pass. The ice will melt, and horses put out more co2 than cars do, so my dear what is your solution? Try to hold your insults down to a mild roar.

Then try giving some solutions of your own instead of asking others for theirs. I have already been doing that. And ice just doesn't melt at this pace this pervasively globally without significant forcing from other sources besides the usual, and that has already been proven by science. And I saw no insults in my post, only questions and an observation.

Ok Jan, you are an activist, I respect that. But the Inuit just might have to change, just like the rest of us do, It is the law of the land, Clovis man migrated south.Europeans migrated West. Etc. The Inuits Recently had a chance to harvest some trapped Narwhals. Now, if they really cared about their future they would took a few and let the rest survive to breed and repopulate, but, did they do that? One village slaughtered 500 of them. If we shut everything off tomorrow, the poles are still gonna melt. America (lower 48) has got colder for 4 years in a row. The polar regions might very well move. And the glaciers have been melting for centuries, but , as an ice cube speeds up as it melts, so do Glaciers.

@Katanajon - well put.

@JanforGore - Science has also proven that the Earth has gone through a natural cycle of ice ages coming and going, and warm periods coming and going. Our planet is following it's natural cycle which is regulated by many many factors, the sun being the largest. Your anger, like so many others', has clouded your assessment of the system. I agree, the way humans interact with the planet needs to change. There is no need to dump pollutants into the air, water and soil. We need to stop dumping trash in the ocean and land fills. We need to make a much more concerted effort to preserve (and grow) our forests and open areas. And we also need to realize that there are some things that are just too big for us to be so arrogant to think that we can control (or stop from happening). Our world is a fluid system that is designed to be ever changing. We must realize that change is not always a bad thing, that it is natural, and that no amount of misplaced anger is going to stop it.

So ......Jan, you apparently know more than these scientists?
Over 650 dissenting scientists from around the globe challenged man-made global warming claims made by the United Nations Intergovernemntal Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and former Vice President Al Gore. This new 231-page U.S. Senate Minority Report report -- updated from 2007’s groundbreaking report of over 400 scientists who voiced skepticism about the so-called global warming “consensus” -- features the skeptical voices of over 650 prominent international scientists, including many current and former UN IPCC scientists, who have now turned against the UN IPCC. This updated report includes an additional 250 (and growing) scientists and climate researchers since the initial release in December 2007. The over 650 dissenting scientists are more than 12 times the number of UN scientists (52) who authored the media-hyped IPCC 2007 Summary for Policymakers.

They don't have a right to a certain climate. Climate changes over time no matter what we as humans do.

The Climate activist's see their baby (Global Warming) going away right in front of their eyes. It's like a Death in the family for many of them, they have worked hard, but nobody cares, the Russians, Chinese, US , sure they can get small countries to support their bills. But the facts speak for them selves. America is getting COLDER. And all the indignation in the world isn't going to change that.These people should shift their activist energy to global hunger, then they might possibly do some good, but I think that might be too much work. Plus saving Ice is so much more fulfilling than saving saving starving humans.

Jan
I just read an article in Scientific American about how to pay for the billions of dollars it will take to create and build the infrastructure needed to power the US with sustainable energy.
It was quite good, but is not yet on their website. When it is, I'll put a link up here.

There is also evidence showing that evironmental changes have happened so fast, that the human body has not adapted well to many things, mostly foods. (of course with all the crap that's put in our food...)
So what will the Inuits eat when their natural food supply is gone? Will the world just let them die off?

Here's an article about the run for the artic...you're probably right about the apathey of governemtns because they see too much wealth in the regions.
http://discovermagazine.com/2009/jan/005

addressed to Katanajon:

Again, would like to see some real data. Have any? And you are truly showing an ignorance in seeing the big picture here.This isn't just about "saving Ice," this is about preserving the very climate balance of this planet and our relationship to it that sustains us. Without Arctic ice to reflect the sun's rays, the water becomes WARMER, thus exacerbating a climate shift that will bring hotter temperatures in places where famine and water shortages as well as wildfires and other anamolies will persist. As well as yes, colder weather in places where it cannot be tolerated as well as changing weather patterns regarding rainfall which is already being felt in Asia which is effecting crops.

It is already hotter in Africa and the Mediterranean and in many places around this world that are experiening record melting of glaciers ( the Himalayas as one striking example) which threatens the water supply of billions of people. So you see, caring about the ice in the Arctic IS caring about world hunger, and poverty, and health, and peace. So your rehashed Fox News analysis is simply that.

csmonut:
I will look forward to reading that. And I wonder what will become of indigenous peoples anywhere. In the Arcitc as you stated, changes have occurred so fast that what they are seeing now is that the species indigenous to this area as well are also beginning to die off, with invasive species coming in. That is a clear sign of climate change and warming. I would hope we as a species would not resign ourselves to allowing people around the world to just die off. To me that goes against all we are as humans. And I am sure governments of this world will use the effects of climate change to pursue the oil lying underneath, as if that will sustain them in an unsustainable world. It is truly a world gone upside down.

Katanajon, (and others):

Where are you going with your dissent? What is your call to action? And how do you think you might motivate that call to action? Dissent is the first step but it must allow for the logical, emotional and spiritual next step which provides a path out of the dilemma.

So where are you going with this, KJ? Global warming advocates are going in the direction of efficiency, sustainability, world wide stewardship, compassion and human dignity.

Where are you wanting us to go?

No one is arguing that climate change could/will have some very negative effects on the lives of millions of people, plants and animals. And no one is saying that we're not experiencing climate change. So again, the "Fox News" accusations that anyone who disagrees with your views, even slightly, is some terrible jackboot wearing Republican thug.

This is terrible! The Inuit are going to need help. It is the Duty of the North American Powers to provide some relief for these People. Food, Shelter, some sort of Training to help them to assimilate into this new culture. Some are going to be against this. What is the alternative for them? Do We just let them Die off like they were just some sort of Animal on the brink of extinction. That's not an option! We can't place them in Zoo's. These are Human Beings and they need help soon. The effects of Global Warming are not going to be reversed quickly enough for them to recover from this. It can be an Opportunity for them too. It's really an Emergency situation at this point. We also have the resources to set up a Community for them with the help of the U.S. Armed Forces. All this is just very temporary for the time while the World Community works on a more stable situation for them. Desperate times call for desperate measures! We have the ability and so do the Canadians. We have a chance to show the World and make amends to the indigenous Peoples of the World. this may sound silly but look what the American Indians have accomplished with their Gambling Casinos. Hey! Take a Trip to an inuit Village Resort. Fishing, and Gambling. I don't know but We have to look at some creative ways to help lift them up as an emerging Peoples. It may be necessary to help them learn Commercial Fishing. That has helped for some of the North American Indian. It's not a total answer but You move one step at a time. It's so sad. But, All indigenous Peoples had to suffer in the past. Can't there be a new way? Do we have to allow them to suffer and perish as other Indians Cultures experienced in the past? It won't help the injustices of the past but We know more now. Why allow them to sink into despair with Alcohol Abuse, Drug Abuse, and the like as We have seen in the past? Setting up Co-Ops between all other indigenous Peoples to work together to lift themselves up. A collective if You will. There are answers out there. Yeah We are all in tough times but they must not be forgotten and just left to their own devices. What if it was You and Your Family and Heritage? Not in a modern Culture. There's no excuse. We must act soon.

I can agree with bits and pieces from everyone. The fact is WE'RE too late, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try and change the way we treat this planet. It will cost a lot of money initially to make a sustainable system work, but ones its in action its a free ride for all of us. We need to tell the EPA to suck it and let someone else police the governments and corporations. We need to unify a country separated by stupidity and materialism. Yes, the ice caps melt naturally, but we've fucking stomped the pedal. In the thousands of years that we've been on this planet, humans as a species have in my opinion done more long term damage than any other species/natural disaster. I don't drive a car anymore, I don't want one, my bike gets me everywhere my car could. Am I slowing down global warming? NO, but the attitude that every little tiny effort helps. Ask yourself,"What can I as a person do to reduce my carbon footprint?"
What are you willing to sacrifice? The car on the weekends/days off? Ride a bike on the off days, you'll feel better, shit walk. How natural is walking? I think people often forget that they are walking.

The point is the people need to wake the fuck up, get off their fat asses and go outside and try to make a connection with something, look at the sky, the waters. Are they clean in your area? does the filth bother you? think it doesn't affect you?

I'm not saying get rid of your car, kill your television, vote for the green party, eat veggies only.
I'm saying change something small that you know directly impacts the environment in a negative way. Its baby steps people, we have to learn to walk all over again.

Thanks janforgore, if we don't do something these people will only be memories.

krush_productions
You're right. It begins with one person doing what they can.
If each person did a few small things, it adds up to one very large thing.

pokesmot: What saddens me is that I think many wouldn't be upset by that.

From above:

TIERRAMÉRICA: What would you say to world leaders, who in December 2009 are to approve a climate agreement to succeed the Kyoto Protocol and establish emissions reductions for climate-changing greenhouse gases?

MS: They are not making the connection with what is happening in the Arctic. Climate change is a human issue first and foremost. We Inuit have to live with the effects of climate change every single day. We live off the land hunting and fishing for our food, but that is getting harder and harder because everything is changing.
___________________

We must aim to see that any global climate treaty crafted in 2009 addresses not what will be best for tthe status quo, but what is best for this planet. Connecting the dots to the Arctic and also taking into account the global water crisis, indigenous people and their rights, and the poor and how climate change is affecting them worse than any other group on this planet is paramount to reaching a fair and equitable treaty that places responsibility on those countries emitting the most, and crafting a plan to help developing countries acquire renewable energy to aid their economies whle sustaining our planet. And population must also be addressed as well as working for peace instead iof continuing the gloabl war footing we are on. We can help that by continuing to hold our own elected officials feet to the fire starting next month. I hope we do.

Also, to clarify something for those who may have not understood: the phrase Fox News analysis is not a political connotation to me, but used in regards to comments I believe that seek to dispute the facts of climate change without backing them up. Thanks.

JFG, I didn't even know these people lived there. good post.