Climate change in Nunavut affects various environments and industries.
Greenhouse gas emissions
Between 2005 and 2021, annual greenhouse gas emissions increased by 25%.[1]
Impacts of climate change
Country food
Climate change is reducing access to country food.[2]
Hunting
Hunting has been made more difficult due to ice melting.[3]
Polar bear attacks
Attacks by polar bear have increased due to melting ice forcing them to spend more time on land.[4]
Response
On two separate occasions, the Nunavut government released strategy documents relating to dealing with climate change but did not release implementation plans, partially due to human resources issues.[5]
Policies
In 2018, Nunavut had no target for greenhouse gas emission reduction.[6]
After the federal government imposed a carbon tax, Nunavut residents received a tax credit - originally this was $308 but this was later decreased to $100.[7]
The Government of Nunavut pushed the government to allow tourism, recreational and outfitting activities in the Tuvaijuittuq Marine Protected Area in the High Arctic.[8]
