Assessing Climate Change Risk and Resilience in the Yukon
Priority 6 Multiple climate change impacts that affect health and well-being
Findings: Human health and well-being are linked to environmental health, and climate change is
affecting places and species that are important for Yukon communities, cultures, health and
well-being, and food security. Communities' health and well-being are also affected when people
are unable to harvest animals and plants that are important to their diet and culture.
Health risks stem from increased risk of fires, floods and other extreme weather events. People
who face higher risks include older adults, children and people with pre-existing health conditions,
people with disabilities, people who are economically disadvantaged, and those who are pregnant.
Mental health concerns can also arise from impacts to community infrastructure. For example,
when the Ross River School closed because of unsafe conditions due to permafrost thaw, it
affected the community's ability to gather, carry out ceremonies, stay active, and bring together
Elders and youth. Participants explained that communities such as Mayo, Old Crow and Lower
Post are also seeing that damage related to flooding, permafrost thaw or wildfires is affecting local
buildings that people rely on for gatherings and ceremonies.
Project participants often spoke about the past and present-day burdens of colonialism, and
climate change worsens many of these challenges. This includes the legacy of forced relocation,
residential schools, and the restriction of traditional languages and practices. Surviving families
continue to face ongoing challenges, as these affect their skill set, experience and comfort
accessing the land.
Recommendations: Special attention needs to be paid to mental health risks. Mental health
effects are associated with a range of climate impacts, and include an increasing sense of
uncertainty, fear and anxiety. Changes to the landscape that people rely on can also lead to
a loss of identity and cultural connection and to reduced self sufficiency.
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Climate change is affecting places and species
that are important for Yukon communities
(such as Klukshu, left), cultures, health and
well-being, and food security.
ASSESSING CLIMATE CHANGE: RISK AND RESILIENCE IN THE YUKONView entire presentation