G - I
IGLO
Short Title: IGLO Project URL: http://www.astc.org/iglo/ Proposal URL: http://classic.ipy.org/development/eoi/proposal-details.php?id=455 This proposal is being submitted to the IPY committee by northerners for the benefit of northerners. Being a resident of the arctic, I clearly understand the utter need for practical research that will help to strengthen and improve the health and well-being of community life, and will contribute to making our communities more resilient to the impacts of climate change. At the 2006 World Urban Forum it was acknowledged by global decision-makers that climate change will be one of the key challenges faced by human settlements across the world. The goal of this research node is to build capacity for sustainable community development in Arctic regions so they are less vulnerable, more liveable and stand a better chance of coping with challenges posed by climate change. In the Arctic, building this capacity requires a proactive approach, collaboration amongst a wide range of partners, integration of policies across scales (national, regional, local), accommodation of cultural priorities, and practical application of research. This is reflected in the 2005 Research Needs Survey for Nunavut published by C-CIARN North. It states: The survey results suggest that Nunavut community members recognize considerable overlap among climate change impacts and that they do not generally view climate change adaptation challenges in isolation of other social and environmental pressures. Local climate change pressures need to reflect this holistic perspective, and focus largely on understanding the interactions and cumulative effects of climate change and a host of other factors such as resource development, rapid social change, population growth, health decline, educational achievement, long range contaminant transport, and other factors. Clearly there is a growing need for the practical application of research on the uncertainty, challenges, and impacts of climate change on Arctic communities. However, in the Arctic there is a large gap between scientific research and building capacity for sustainable development. This research will contribute practical results to climate change impact and adaptation research, provide examples of mitigation and contribute to the improving the health and well-being of Arctic communities. Areas of focus will be on housing design, building technology, alternative energy, community planning, waste management and capacity building. The current housing situation in many Arctic communities is one of severe overcrowding and complete reliance on diesel fuel for energy needs. This situation is leading to negative mental and physical health problems to individuals and leaving communities vulnerable to rising fuel prices. Research under this activity cluster will take a much needed holistic approach to creating more environmentally friendly, affordable and culturally responsible housing options that positively contribute to the health and well-being of northern-based communities. Increased Arctic planning capacity will be needed in order to maintain community resiliency. This will require the integration of traditional knowledge and scientific research and involve Inuit, First Nation/Aboriginal groups, northerners, community planners, and scientists in different regions of the Arctic. Collaboration will involve Arctic and national governments, northern and southern-based organizations, and Arctic communities.