Research summary
Climate change is one of the biggest health challenges of the 21st century for every region of the world. But the Arctic is experiencing some of the most dramatic changes. The area’s Inuit populations are facing some of the most acute impacts of climate change because they rely on the environment for their livelihoods and sustenance.
Dr. Sherilee Harper, Canada Research Chair in Climate Change and Health, is conducting community-based, community-led research to answer two grand questions: Which climate, environment, social and health metrics matter most to Inuit people, decision-makers and scientists, and how should we monitor them? How is climate change affecting Inuit health (now and in the future), and how are communities adapting? She and her research team hope to uncover answers that will lead to better health outcomes in northern communities as the climate changes.