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'Our land is changing - soon yours will too'

Sheila Watt-Cloutier
Sat 15 Jan 2005 10.44 EST

While global warming is affecting the entire planet, there is a scientific consensus that it is impacting the Arctic much faster.

Our elders and hunters have intimate knowledge of the land and sea ice, and have observed disturbing changes to the Arctic climate and environment, and to the wildlife.

These changes include melting permafrost causing increased erosion and damaging infrastructure; longer sea-ice free seasons; new species of birds and fish invading the region; the arrival of mosquitos and blackflies; unpredictable sea-ice conditions; and glaciers melting fast, creating torrents instead of streams.

My homeland, the Arctic, is the health barometer for the planet.

By looking at what is already happening in remote Inuit villages in Alaska, such as Shismaref and Kivalina, you can understand the dangers for more populated areas of the world.

Scientists tell us that polar bears, ice living seals, walrus, and some birds are very likely to decline, and that warming will disrupt or destroy our hunting and food sharing culture.

Our ancient connection to our hunting culture may well disappear, within my grandson's lifetime.

My culture continues to see us through much tumultuous change. This change has resulted in confusion and despair, and all too often in early death for our young people from suicides and addiction.

Climate change is a matter of the survival of humanity as whole. It is the most pressing global issue we face today. Protect the Arctic and we will save the planet.

· Sheila Watt-Cloutier is the elected chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference, which represents the 155,000 Inuit who live in Alaska, Canada, Greenland and Chukotka, Russia