Climate change, changes in biological diversity, and the accumulation of toxic substances are three main interrelated issues affecting the rapidly shifting Arctic environment. While these issues, with climate change as a dominant driver, are largely the result of human activities in distant southern regions, they have serious cultural, socio‑economic and health impacts on residents of the Arctic, especially on many Indigenous peoples, as well as adverse effects on the wildlife of the region.
Further action, both in Canada and internationally, will be needed to conserve and protect the Arctic environment.
Read the full text of the Background Paper: The Arctic: Environmental Issues
Author: Thai Nguyen, Library of Parliament
Categories: Agriculture, environment, fisheries and natural resources, Executive summary