Arctic Issues and Policy Ideas – The Security of Arctic Communities: Food and Infrastructure

Here you will find more in depth information on four topics: the relocation of Alaskan Native Villages, food insecurity in the Aleutian Island and Nunavut, and the Housing Crisis in Nunavut.

Climate Change Driven Food Insecurity in Nunavut

Photo of an Inuit woman with a baby on her back hunting for ringed seal on the sea ice near Arctic Bay. Once a seal surfaces, the hook is used to drag it out of the water (Image source). Background Food insecurity is one of the largest challenges facing Indigenous communities in the Arctic, and...

Food Security in the Aleutian Islands

Background Map of food insecurity rates in Alaska (image source) Food insecurity is a growing issue in the state of Alaska. While fishing and hunting are important parts of the Alaskan economy, local food support industries such as agriculture and food processing have been largely unsuccessful. Even locally caught fish tends to be processed at...

Housing Crisis in Nunavut Canada

Background Iqaluit, the largest city in the Canadian Arctic and capital of the province of Nunavut. Following the global trend towards urbanization, two-thirds of the Arctic's population is today located in urbanized towns and cities. While Arctic cities may be small compared to their southern counterparts, they often serve as economic and social centers for...

Relocating Alaskan Native Villages

Kivalina, Alaska - 1 of the 31 communities imminently threatened by flooding and erosion Background Alaska has warmed twice as fast as the global average over the past half a century; with their hottest year on record in 2016. The Arctic is warming 2 to 3 times faster than the rest of the globe, evident...