The Audio Long Read From the archive: ‘The treeline is out of control’: how the climate crisis is turning the Arctic green
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Apr 2, 2025 Explore how climate change is transforming the Arctic landscape, with trees encroaching on ancient tundra. Discover the impact on indigenous Sami culture, especially their traditional reindeer herding practices. A personal narrative highlights the urgent struggles faced by the Sami against rising temperatures and industrial pressures. The vivid imagery of life in Cauticeno contrasts serene herding with modern challenges. Dive into the emotional and cultural significance of these shifts, revealing the delicate balance between tradition and environmental change.
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Birthplace became forest
- Ben Rawlence was inspired to write the article after a conversation with a Sami reindeer herder.
- The herder explained how his birthplace had shifted from tundra to forest during his lifetime.
Warming winters disrupt Sami life
- The warming trend continues, with milder, wetter winters replacing the consistently cold, dry winters of the past.
- This shift disrupts the reindeer's habitat and the Sami people's traditional way of life.
Trees gobbling up the tundra
- In Alta, Norway, trees are moving upslope and taking over the tundra.
- People and animals are struggling to adapt to these rapid changes.
