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 

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.