Inuit Cite IPCC Results as Further Proof of Human Impacts Contributing to Climate Change: Inuit Call on Canada to Recognize Arctic in Foreign Policy and Commit Resources Towards Adaptation

Friday February 2, 2007 - Ottawa, Ontario The Inuit Circumpolar Council-Canada (ICC) and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), today responded to the conclusion of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes 4th Assessment, Working Group 1 (IPCC-WG1 Report) in concluding that human activities are the cause of climate change. The good news is that this highly credible report is now available to the world community, and Canada's Environment Minister John Baird has acknowledged the report in Paris, and has stated it is time to address climate change policy," said ITK President Mary Simon. The bad news is that the report confirms that climate change is enormous in scope, verifiable, and requires unprecedented international intervention and collaboration. Inuit have long known that the Arctic climate has been changing and that the rate of change is accelerating. The Arctic is accepted as a barometer of worldwide climate change." The IPCC-WG1 Report reinforces, and expands upon, the stark conclusions made almost three years ago in the report of the multi-national Arctic Council entitled Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA Report). When released in November 2004, its conclusions shocked many people, and gained global attention. The impacts of climate change on the Arctic will have repercussions for the rest of the planet from the small island states to continental Africa. Duane Smith, President of ICC-Canada added that, Canada must recognize the geopolitical importance of the Arctic in climate change, develop and pursue a strong northern foreign policy. If we are to see real change in the Arctic, China, Russia, India and the United States, as well as, Canada and other nations, must reduce their CO2 emissions. It is noteworthy that China has recently applied for membership in the Arctic Council. Now is the time to work multi-laterally for the global good. Canada can be a world leader by making the Arctic and Inuit a central feature of comprehensive climate change efforts. Inuit want to partner with Canada and work towards the next United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meeting to regain our place as a global leader," Smith added. Inuit and all Canadians are facing serious decisions regarding the changing environment. As the world awaits the conclusions of the Impact and Adaptations Report of IPCC Working Group 2, due in April, ICC and ITK call upon the Government of Canada to learn from the previous attempt at a National Adaptation Framework and commit the appropriate resources and effort required to leave a legacy for the future. - 30 - Source: Corinne Gray Executive Director ICC Canada Stephen Hendrie Communications Director Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Ph: 613.563.2642 Cell: 613.277.3178 cgray@inuitcircumpolar.com hendrie@itk.ca