Holistic Effects of Climate Change on the Culture, Wellbeing and Health of the Saami, the Only Indigenous People in Europe

Abstract

Background: Climate change will affect all populations, but particularly those living in northern latitudes where the predicted environmental changes are the most dramatic. The Saami are indigenous people living in northern Europe. Their traditional livelihoods are reindeer herding, fishing, gathering, hunting and handicrafts and their way of life is based on sustainable use of natural resources and living within nature. Ironically, this sustainable traditional way of life is threatened by changing environmental conditions linked to climate change. This presentation elaborates the effects of climate change, which are likely to be holistic, influencing culture, wellbeing and health. Methods: We present a multidisciplinary theoretical framework and empirical evidence based on a systematic literature search. Results: There is evidence from the Saami communities that the possibilities to practice Saami way of life and traditional livelihoods have already become weaker in Nordic Countries due to environmental, financial, legislative and societal pressures. Some of these pressures are linked to the emerging climate change. These changes in way of life have cultural, mental and social implications to Saami communities. There is evidence a major contributor to mental illness and associated conditions among indigenous populations is chronic psychosocial stress linked to rapid economic development and social transformations over the past half-century and this development is expected to accelerate due to climate change. Health and well-being of Saami community is therefore a serious concern in a changing climate. Conclusions: In order to Saami people to maintain their traditional way of life and identity, the effects of climate change on Saami people have to be identified and monitored. Adaptation to climate change requires information on the regional and long-term effects of climate change on the environment, health and well-being.