03 Dec Climate Change and Migration for Scandinavian Saami: A Review of Possible Impacts
Type
Journal Article
Author(s)
Kelman, I.
Næss, M. W.
Title
Climate Change and Migration for Scandinavian Saami: A Review of Possible Impacts
Year
2019
Journal
Climate
Vol (No), pp
7(4), 47
Abstract
Migration, especially of indigenous peoples, related to or influenced by climate change continues to gain increasing research and policy attention. Limited material remains for this topic for Scandinavia’s indigenous people, the Saami. This paper contributes to filling this gap by providing a review for the Scandinavian Saami of the possible impacts of climate change on migration. Environmental influences, social influences, and a synthesis through livelihoods impacts, including for reindeer herding, is provided, followed by a discussion of Saami responses to climate change and migration mainly through a governance analysis. Overall, climate change’s impacts on the
Saami do not necessarily entail abandoning their traditions, livelihoods, or homes. Instead, the most significant impact is likely to be migrants moving into the Arctic to pursue resource opportunities. Working collaboratively with the Saami, policies and practices are needed to ensure that indigenous interests are respected and that indigenous needs are met.
Citation
Kelman, I., & Næss, M. W. (2019). Climate Change and Migration for Scandinavian Saami: A Review of Possible Impacts. Climate, 7(4), 47. URL : https://www.mdpi.com/2225-1154/7/4/47