The Decibel
How Labrador Inuit are adapting to a warming world
May 16, 2025
Join investigative journalist Jenn Thornhill Verma and fisherman Joey Agnetok as they delve into how Labrador Inuit communities are grappling with climate change. They discuss the critical role of sea ice in Inuit culture and the numerous Inuttitut terms that reflect this connection. The guests highlight innovative adaptations, like the SmartICE project, which melds traditional knowledge with modern technology to enhance ice navigation safety. Elder stories reveal both the cultural challenges and community resilience in a warming world.
35:08
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Quick takeaways
- Climate change is critically impacting Labrador Inuit communities by weakening sea ice, threatening their traditional hunting and fishing practices.
- Innovative adaptations combining traditional knowledge and technology, like Smartice, are helping Inuit communities navigate and preserve their cultural identity despite environmental challenges.
Deep dives
Impact of Climate Change on Sea Ice
The Inuit in Nunatsiavut are experiencing significant changes due to climate change, particularly regarding sea ice conditions. Rising temperatures have led to thinner ice, which now forms later in the year and melts earlier, thereby shortening the stable ice season. For instance, while the ice once reached thicknesses of three to four feet, it is now often only 31 inches, significantly impacting traditional activities. This alteration in ice patterns not only affects travel and hunting routes but also challenges the reliability of traditional knowledge once used to navigate these crucial terrains.
