Examining community adaptation readiness to climate change in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Northwest Territories [graduate project].

Abstract

The current rate of anthropogenic driven climate change is unprecedented and threatening the social, cultural and ecological characteristics of many Arctic communities. The Government of the Northwest Territories, Inuit Organizations, and the scientific community have identified adaptation planning as a priority; however, no formal assessment of community readiness to adapt to climate change has been undertaken in the territory. This study aims to remedy this gap in the adaptation literature through an examination of community adaptation readiness in three communities in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Aklavik, Tuktoyaktuk, and Inuvik. This study is the first to examine community adaptation readiness in this region. Using an adaptation readiness framework, the existence of key factors important to adaptation evolution were assessed. The study findings provide needed insights on community adaptation readiness and identifies barriers constricting adaptation action. Recommendations were developed based on these findings to inform regional and local decision makers about proactive and practical efforts that can enhance community readiness. The outcomes of this research can contribute to planning and policy development in the ISR and provide insight on community climate change adaptation in the Canadian Arctic.