Climate change is affecting Arctic vegetation and wildlife through a variety of impacts. Changes in range distribution, habitats, abundance, genetic diversity, and behavior of migratory and non-migratory species have already been observed. Overall, the number of species in Nunavut is projected to increase as southern species potentially move northward with a changing climate. Current Arctic species will see changes in their habitat including new plants, reduced ice cover, changing snow patterns, changing ocean salinity and increased acidity.

Since the 1970’s, scientists have been monitoring Arctic sea ice using satellites. Using this data they have determined the amount of sea ice is declining year after year. Arctic sea ice has been in decline since at least the 1950’s. Scientists predict the Arctic could see its first ice-free summer as early as 2030. What does a reduction in sea ice cover and depth mean for Nunavummiut? A decrease in sea ice impacts travel between communities during the spring and fall, as there will be a shorter period of time that the ice will be suitable for travel.

Isostatic rebound happens when land that was pressed down in the last ice age by the glaciers rises as a result of disappearing ice. The depressed land is "bouncing back", or rebounding – a process called isostasy. In some places in Nunavut, the land is rebounding faster than the sea level is rising. This makes it appear as if the sea level is actually dropping, although on a global scale scientists have confirmed sea levels are rising. 

Subsidence describes permafrost soil that was held up by ice collapses as the ice melts. This can be seen as irregular surfaces – for example, hummock tundra. The small hollows created by subsidence can be filled in with water. Subsidence can create issues in areas with built infrastructure (e.g. roads, buildings, airports), and it can lead to the development of sinkholes. 

The active layer is the top layer of the soil (or surface materials), which thaws in the summer and freezes up again in the fall. The depth of the active layer varies across Nunavut, and even within communities. It depends on factors such as soil type and location (for example, proximity to a river).

Permafrost is frozen soil or rock that has been frozen for at least 2 years in a row. Permafrost degradation refers to thawing permafrost, which is frozen soil that is thawing or getting warmer. With the temperature increasing, the amount and depth of permafrost can decline. Certain areas of permafrost contain more ice than others. When the ice in the soil (for example, ice wedges) melts, the soil becomes wet and may slump down. Frozen soil is hard – when it thaws it turns soft.

Elders are reporting the same changes as scientists (see question above):

In the Arctic we are already observing changes in our environment, including:

• Declining thickness and extent of sea, river and lake ice
• Warmer temperatures
• Changes in vegetation and wildlife: new species are being observed (moving further north), and well-known species are being observed in new areas
• Changes in the permafrost regime and hydrology of the tundra
• Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events
• Rising sea levels in certain places
• Melting and shrinking glaciers

Global warming refers to a rise in the average global surface temperature over time. The opposite is global cooling, a decline of the average global surface temperature. Global warming doesn’t mean the planet’s temperature rises all at once. Some areas will be hotter, while others may get colder; however, there is an overall warming trend. Global warming is an example of a change in global climate. Atmospheric temperature data that has been collected for the last 120 years indicates the Earth is warming.

Greenhouse gases (GHGs, or "heat-trapping" gases) trap heat radiation in the atmosphere. The four main GHGs are water vapour, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). These gases absorb heat reflected by the Earth instead of releasing that heat to space. The greenhouse effect makes Earth habitable by keeping temperatures at a suitable level for life as we know it. Human activities, such driving a car, burns fossil fuels and emits GHGs. GHGs in the atmosphere have increased since the industrial revolution (1750).