ArcticNet - Research Projects Phase I

Cycle 1 (2004-2011)

Phase 1 (2004-2008)

Phase 2 (2008-2011)

Theme 1 - Climate Change Impacts in the Canadian High Arctic: a Comparative Study Along the East-West Gradient in Physical and Societal Conditions

According to computer simulations of future climate, the warming of the lower atmosphere caused by the greenhouse effect will begin in the Arctic. The limited observations and measurements available from these remote areas are generally consistent with the warming trends predicted by the simulations. But much uncertainty and major discrepancies between models and observations remain. Are we actually witnessing the first symptoms of an irreversible Arctic meltdown or simply some extreme fluctuation in the natural variability of the Arctic climate? Why is the western Canadian Arctic warming faster than the Eastern Arctic? And what are the present and future impacts of this meltdown on the Arctic environment and the health and economy of its inhabitants? Using an East-West comparative approach, Theme 1 will document the present links between environmental change, health and economy along the contrasted East-West gradient of the Canadian High Arctic. Key indicators of change in the coastal environment and its inhabitants will be measured annually to start accumulating the time-series urgently needed to separate irreversible change from natural variability. Right from the start, the enlarged and updated data set generated by Theme 1 will contribute to the formulation of policies and adaptation strategies to help answer the specific needs of stakeholders in the fields of health, economy, geopolitics and industry.

Theme Leader: Yves Gratton
Theme Coordinator: Annie Simard

Project Titles

   1.1 Warming Coastal Seas & Shrinking Sea Ice

   1.2 Coastal Vulnerability in a Warming Arctic

   1.3 Contaminant Cycling in the Coastal Environment

   1.4 Marine Productivity & Sustained Exploitation of Emerging Fisheries

   1.5 Changes in Dietary Pattern and Impacts on Chronic Diseases Emergence

   1.6 The Opening NW Passage: Resources, Navigation, Sovereignty & Security

   1.7 Canada’s Arctic Waters in International Law and Diplomacy