Although Nunavummiut emit a small amount of GHGs in total, we are among the highest emitters of GHGs per person in Canada and the world. Although mitigating climate change by reducing the amount of GHGs we emit is very important (and this can be done by making energy-wise decisions), current scientific predictions suggest that even if we stopped all GHG emissions today, global average temperatures would continue to rise due to lags in the climate system. In other words, we will have to adapt to current and anticipated changes in our environment. 

Vulnerability refers to the degree to which a natural or anthropogenic (human-made) system is susceptible to, or unable to deal with, the impacts of change. 

Mitigation is about reducing the amount of Greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted to the atmosphere. It is different from adaptation, which is a response to the changes created by the emission of those Greenhouse gases. 

Adaptive capacity is a region or community’s ability to manage the impacts and risks of climate change.

Climate change adaptation refers to any action that combats the negative impacts of climate change or takes advantage of potential new opportunities. Adaptation can be spontaneous, planned or proactive.

Storm surge refers to a temporary rise in the height of the sea along a coastline. This kind of large wave moves with, and is caused by, strong storms with spiralling winds