| dc.description.abstract | Climate change and tourism change are global phenomena (Keskitalo, 2008;
Page, 2003). As climate change becomes more pronounced and the tourism industry
continues to be susceptible to changes in climate (Coombes, Jones, & Sutherland, 2009),
understanding the tourism industry’s vulnerabilities and potential adaptive strategies
become imperative (Keskitalo, 2008). This dynamic relationship between the tourism
industry and climate change is important as the changes occurring are interpreted and
responded to in various ways depending on the emphasis put on change by the broad
decision making networks that are characteristic of multi-level governing systems
(Keskitalo, 2008). One of the jurisdictions where the tourism industry is likely to be
vulnerable and require adaptation to the climate change-tourism relationship is in the
Territory of Nunavut in Canada’s Arctic.
Nunavut’s tourism industry is influenced by vulnerabilities and opportunities that
are particular to the Arctic (Loverseed, 2008; Milne, 2006); these influences require
Arctic specific responses, innovations and adaptations. Arctic specific adaptations are
facilitated by the stakeholders involved in the management of Nunavut’s tourism
industry. On an ongoing basis, Arctic stakeholders have to address current and predicted
vulnerabilities and opportunities; these need to be addressed in such a way that the
political, economic, social, and ecological systems of the region are able to cope with and
recover from various stresses. Through coping with and recovering from stress the
Territory can maintain or enhance its capabilities and assets, and ensure that opportunities
are available for future generations (Armitage, 2007). | |
