Greenland’s culture is changing due to global warming

Photo by: Explora_2005 / iStock

The centuries-old culture of the indigenous Greenlanders, the Kalahalit Eskimos, is largely based on the local landscape and climate. The main occupation of the indigenous population is traditionally fishing and hunting. Until recently, the Kalaalis used traditional fishing methods and traveled across the ice on sled dogs. Now, because of the warming weather it has become dangerous to let dogs out on the ice. The same applies to hunting: the island’s snow cover is shrinking and sled dogs can no longer travel at their usual pace.

These sad facts once again prove the rapid development of global warming, which is more noticeable in the Arctic zone than anywhere else. Locals have noted a shortening frost season and glacial retreat in Greenland over the past 20 years. UNESCO reports that more than 35 000 cubic metres of ice are chipped off the glacier each year and more and more icebergs are forming near the coastline. The Kalaalites say that not long ago, the weather was more predictable but now every year it is unclear when winter will arrive. Real-time climate changes are being felt every day. “We see it every day,” — said Avannaata district head Pale Jeremiassen.

Several years ago, studies conducted by the Universities of Copenhagen and Greenland showed that 90% of the islanders recognise the marked changes in climate, three quarters of those surveyed said they felt the effects of global warming in their lives.

Changes in traditional fishing and hunting practices have also created a bit of a ‘dog eat dog’ problem for locals. Most Kalaalis own several dozen dogs, which need to be fed and actively exercised on a daily basis. But as locals are forced to cut back on fishing and hunting, the question remains as to what to do with the dogs. Some Kalaalites have adapted the dogs for the entertainment of tourists — racing and travelling by dog sled. However, the number of dogs outstrips the demand due to the relatively small number of tourists and this practice does not generate much income. Thus the number of dogs on the island is decreasing and they are being bred less and less frequently. In the town of Ilulissat in western Greenland there were about 5,000 dogs two decades ago, now there are only 1,800.

Nevertheless — for all the negative effects of global warming — the locals find some positive features. Greenland’s climate has always been very harsh to live in, but it is now easier to do so. You can now catch fish from a boat, for instance, which has increased the catch and at the same time the income of the fishermen. Hunters have it worse, as they now have to go on longer and farther expeditions.

And, of course, locals who are used to their traditions miss their former occupations, which affects the happiness level of the island’s population. The Kalaalis note that it pains them to see dogs disappear from their traditional culture.

Cover photo: Koonyongyut / iSock