Publikationer

Research | Forskning - peer review

Nanorriutit are specialized dogs integral to traditional nanoq (polar bear) hunting in Avanersuaq (Thule district, North Green-land). This practice, involving a deep relationship between the piniartoq (hunter), the nanoq, and the qimmeq (dog), is a crucialaspect of Inughuit cultural heritage in the… Nanorriutit are specialized dogs integral to traditional nanoq (polar bear) hunting in Avanersuaq (Thule district, North Green-land). This practice, involving a deep relationship between the piniartoq (hunter), the nanoq, and the qimmeq (dog), is a crucialaspect of Inughuit cultural heritage in the region. However, the hunting culture associated with nanorriutit faces significantchallenges due to the contemporary lifestyle, urbanization and impacts of climate change, which are deteriorating the tradi-tional hunting grounds. This study aims to examine the evolving role of nanorriutit in polar bear hunting practices and thebroader cultural context of Avanersuaq. Utilizing a qualitative approach, data were collected through fourteen semi-structuredinterviews with thirteen knowledge holders from the settlement of Savissivik and the town of Qaanaaq, conducted in Inuktunand kalaallisut. The findings illustrate both the enduring significance of nanorriutit, and the adaptations required in responseto changing environmental conditions. This research contributes to the understanding of how the contemporary lifestyles andclimate change is influencing Inughuit hunting practices and emphasizes the need to preserve this valuable cultural traditionamidst a rapidly transforming Arctic urbanization and environment. Læs mere

Research | Forskning - peer review

Although Greenland is a hub for climate science, the climate perceptions of Greenland’s predominantly Indigenous population have remained largely unstudied. Here we present two nationally representative surveys and show that Greenlanders are more likely than residents of top oil-producing Arctic cou… Although Greenland is a hub for climate science, the climate perceptions of Greenland’s predominantly Indigenous population have remained largely unstudied. Here we present two nationally representative surveys and show that Greenlanders are more likely than residents of top oil-producing Arctic countries to perceive that climate change is happening and about twice as likely to have personally experienced its effects. However, half are unaware that climate change is human-caused and those who are most affected appear to be least aware. Personal experience and awareness of human-induced climate change diverge along an Inuit cultural dimension. Indigenous identity positively predicts climate change experience, whereas subsistence occupation and no post-primary education negatively predict attribution beliefs. Despite Greenland’s centrality to climate research, we uncover a gap between the scientific consensus and Kalaallit views of climate change, particularly among youth. This science–society gulf has implications for local climate adaptation, science communication and knowledge exchange between generations, institutions and communities. Læs mere

Research | Forskning - peer review

According to the narratives transmitted through media and political discourse, climate change reduces the ice coverage in the Arctic and enhances shipping and other forms of maritime activities. Especially, expectations of an increasing level of transit shipping between Asian, especially Chinese, po… According to the narratives transmitted through media and political discourse, climate change reduces the ice coverage in the Arctic and enhances shipping and other forms of maritime activities. Especially, expectations of an increasing level of transit shipping between Asian, especially Chinese, ports and ports in Europe and North America is dominant. Evidence, however, tells that the numbers of transit shipping through the Arctic Ocean are very limited, and dominated by European shipping companies. For Greenland, political expectations have also been high, since Greenland has been seen as "strategically" situated in relation to new shipping routes in the Arctic, But, again, the actual development has been moderate and not related to international transits but conditions in Greenland itself. Læs mere

Research | Forskning - peer review

We describe findings from an exploratory study on Greenlandic and Canadian preservice teachers’ (PSTs’) views on climate change teaching and teacher education programs. Greenland and Canada are experiencing more rapid warming than the global average. Climate resilience is thus of great importance an… We describe findings from an exploratory study on Greenlandic and Canadian preservice teachers’ (PSTs’) views on climate change teaching and teacher education programs. Greenland and Canada are experiencing more rapid warming than the global average. Climate resilience is thus of great importance and climate change needs to be taught to foster innovations and adaptation and to prepare young citizens to be engaged participants in policy debates about mitigation. Forty-five PSTs at the University of Greenland and Lakehead University answered a survey comprised mainly Likert Scale and open-ended questions. We found that PSTs need more knowledge about climate change, while, across disciplines, almost all would like to teach climate change and believe that preparing to do so should be a part of initial teacher education. Læs mere

Research | Forskning - peer review

The sea ice in the Arctic has shrunk significantly in the last decades. The transport pattern has as a result partly changed with more traffic in remote areas. This change may influence the risk pattern. The critical factors are harsh weather, ice conditions, remoteness and vulnerability of nature.… The sea ice in the Arctic has shrunk significantly in the last decades. The transport pattern has as a result partly changed with more traffic in remote areas. This change may influence the risk pattern. The critical factors are harsh weather, ice conditions, remoteness and vulnerability of nature. In this paper, we look into the risk of accidents in Atlantic Arctic based on previous ship accidents and the changes in maritime activity. The risk has to be assessed to ensure a proper level of emergency response. The consequences of incidents depend on the incident type, scale and location. As accidents are rare, there are limited statistics available for Arctic maritime accidents. Hence, this study offers a qualitative analysis and an expert-based risk assessment. Implications for the emergency preparedness system of the Arctic region are discussed. Læs mere

Research | Forskning - peer review

The sea ice in the Arctic has shrunk significantly in the last decades. Partly as a result, the transport pattern has changed with more traffic in remote areas. This change may increase the risk of accidents. The critical factors are harsh weather, ice conditions, remoteness and vulnerability. In th… The sea ice in the Arctic has shrunk significantly in the last decades. Partly as a result, the transport pattern has changed with more traffic in remote areas. This change may increase the risk of accidents. The critical factors are harsh weather, ice conditions, remoteness and vulnerability. In this paper we look into the risks of accidents in the Atlantic Arctic based on previous ship accidents and the changes in maritime activity. The risk has to be assessed to ensure a proper level of response in emergency situations. As accidents are rare, there are limited statistics available for Arctic marine accidents. Therefore, in this study a mostly qualitative analysis and expert judgement is the basis for the risk assessments. Implications for the emergency preparedness system of the region are discussed. The consequences of incidents depend on the incident type, scale and location. Læs mere

Research | Forskning

This report provides a discussion on dominating risk factors, risk types and probability of unwanted incidents in the Arctic region. It also provides a coarse-grained evaluation of the potential consequences of different incidents in the northern sea areas of Russia, Norway, Greenland, and Iceland.… This report provides a discussion on dominating risk factors, risk types and probability of unwanted incidents in the Arctic region. It also provides a coarse-grained evaluation of the potential consequences of different incidents in the northern sea areas of Russia, Norway, Greenland, and Iceland. The risk assessment build upon statistics on vessel activity, case studies of real incidents, and expert evaluation of defined situations of hazard and accident (DSHA). The evaluations of this study may serve as a platform for more detailed assessments, and as input for discussions on priority areas in respect to safety measures and emergency preparedness. In the Marpart Project, the risk assessments have a special role as input into the analyses of emergency management capabilities, and the need for special government efforts in cross-border cooperation. Læs mere

Research | Forskning - peer review

This report analyzes the current commercial and governmental activity in the sea regions north of the Polar Circle from the Northern Sea Route to the North West Passage. The study embraces sea and coastal areas of the North West of Russia, Northern Norway and around Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland.… This report analyzes the current commercial and governmental activity in the sea regions north of the Polar Circle from the Northern Sea Route to the North West Passage. The study embraces sea and coastal areas of the North West of Russia, Northern Norway and around Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland. It includes an overview of types of vessels and other objects involved in different activities, and the volume of traffic connected to different types of activities, such as fisheries, petroleum, tourism, navy and research. Furthermore, this report estimates the maritime activity level in the area the next ten years, or until 2025, and the potential development of the regional preparedness system. Læs mere

Research | Forskning - peer review

Growing maritime commercial activities in the High North increase the possibility of unwanted incidents. The vulnerability related to human safety and environment and a challenging context, call for a strengthening of the maritime preparedness system, and cross-boundary and cross-institutional colla… Growing maritime commercial activities in the High North increase the possibility of unwanted incidents. The vulnerability related to human safety and environment and a challenging context, call for a strengthening of the maritime preparedness system, and cross-boundary and cross-institutional collaboration. In this paper, we look into the different stressors and risk factors of the sea regions in the High North. We elaborate on emergencies where integrated operations such as mass evacuation, oil spill recovery and salvage are needed. Coordination of such operations is a challenging task, where several institutions and management levels are included. Host nation support from neighboring countries may be in demand. Experiences from the accident with the cruise ship “Maxim Gorkiy” in the ice south-west of Svalbard are highlighted together with the experiences from large-scale exercises in the High North. We illuminate the capabilities needed, and the training of key personnel responsible for coordinating such operations. Læs mere

Research | Forskning

Climate change or global warming results in melting ice in the Arctic, both inland and sea ice. This opens up opportunities of natural ressource extraction and possibilities of new shipping routes, that opens up opportunities for increased maritime activities. However, with these opportunies come al… Climate change or global warming results in melting ice in the Arctic, both inland and sea ice. This opens up opportunities of natural ressource extraction and possibilities of new shipping routes, that opens up opportunities for increased maritime activities. However, with these opportunies come also the challenges of increased maritime activities that result in several risks in the Arctic such as the risk of pollution and the risks of accidents, which produce a need for preparedness towards oil spill and towards search and rescue (SAR) and institutions for SAR. Since the Arctic is such a huge territory with diverse stakeholders, there is a need for transborder cooperation within the Arctic states and between the Arctic states and states outside the Arctic that recently gained access to the Arctic Council activities as observers states. On this background, the paper will investigate and assess possibilies of transborder risk management and partnership. Læs mere