"Climate Change Threatens Arctic Food Security And Culture"

"As sea ice melts and permafrost thaws, indigenous traditions are being forced to change, say researchers."

"It’s increasingly difficult to find food using traditional hunting methods in the Arctic, and at the same time, provisions sold at stores are “unaffordable” for many, jeopardizing food security and cultural life in the region, Arctic experts and residents said, responding to a United Nations report released Monday that highlights the impact of climate change on Arctic communities.

Everything from ice-dependent algae to marine mammals to humans relying on sea ice for food and economic opportunities are affected, according to the "Global Biodiversity Outlook 4" report, which assesses the global body’s progress toward achieving its decade-long biodiversity goals.

The knowledge of these environments that the indigenous and local people have is being tested by the rapid climate changes occurring in the region, according to the report."

Deepashri Varadharajan reports for Aljazeera America October 8, 2014.