Vulnerable populations in the Arctic

I nterest in the Arctic has grown significantly in recent years. The Arctic environment is unique and highly sensitive to disturbances. Temperatures have already risen twice as quickly in the Arctic as elsewhere on Earth. Glaciers and sea ice are melting more extensively than in the past. This is already putting a great strain on communities and ecosystems. As ice withdraws, technological advances are creating opportunities to open transport routes across the Arctic Ocean and exploit the natural resources of the Arctic. These developments must be managed in a responsible and sustainable manner so that they do not lead to undesired effects. The Arctic Council is the cooperation forum of the Arctic states, in which we work together for a responsible development of the region. The work of the Arctic Council has, since its inception, built on a close cooperation between scientists, researchers and policymakers. From 2011 until 2013, Sweden has the privilege of chairing the Arctic Council and leading its work. Around 4 million people live north of the Arctic Circle, many of them are indigenous people. For the inhabitants of the Arctic, the developments in the region are a source of both challenges and opportunities. Climate change affects their health, their access to good quality food and water as well as their traditional activities such as reindeer husbandry, hunting, and fishing. At the same time, the business community’s increasing interest in Arctic areas is creating opportunities for economically more advantageous living conditions. A high priority of the Swedish Chairmanship of the Arctic Council is to give more focus to the human dimension of the rapid changes that are occurring in the Arctic. Another Swedish priority is to raise the profile of Arctic issues in international forums where climate change is discussed, with a view to achieving more ambitious global emissions reductions of greenhouse gases. At the same time, we need to shed more light on how we can strengthen the capacity of natural and social systems to adapt to future change. Research is a key issue in this context. It is also important to take advantage of the knowledge that exists among the people living in the region. This volume is an excellent and timely contribution of such research-based evidence that highlights the effects of climate change on human health and living conditions in the Arctic region. While emphasising the need for more research on the subject, it also discusses what can and should be done to strengthen the capacities of societies to manage and overcome disturbances. It is, thereby, creating an important link between scientific findings and practical decision making and policies. The findings and recommendations herein will be an important source of information and inspiration for the Swedish Presidency of the Arctic Council. I trust that it will also initiate discussions between health researchers and policymakers on a global level, helping to build consensus on effective climate policies to protect vulnerable populations around the globe.