Climate impacts on northern Canada: introduction

Area of Science:

• Climate Science
• Environmental Science
• Arctic Studies

Background:

• Presents work from two Canadian national climate science assessments: 'Canada in a Changing Climate 2007' and 'Human Health in a Changing Climate'.
• Involves 24 scientists across various disciplines and regions in the Canadian North.
• Focuses on the northern chapters of these comprehensive national assessments.

Discussion:

• Highlights significant evidence of climate change already impacting northern Canada.
• Discusses projected future climate trends and their expected continuation in Arctic systems.
• Reviews existing and projected exposures and adaptive capacities in the Canadian North.

Key Insights:

• Climate change has substantial impacts on physical, natural, and human systems in Canada's North.
• Vulnerability assessment approach used, focusing on exposures and adaptive capacity.
• Contributes to a more thorough understanding of climate impacts and adaptations in northern Canada.

Outlook:

• Arctic systems are expected to continue shifting due to ongoing climate trends.
• Emphasizes the need for adaptation strategies in response to projected changes.
• Sets the stage for a series of papers detailing climate change impacts and adaptations in the Canadian North.