The Faces of Climate Change

This whole journey through the Arctic has been completely overwhelming and awe-inspiring.  One of the most powerful experiences that has come of this trip was our group’s visit to the community of Tasisuaq.  The village had a population of only eighty-five people, yet they welcomed our group of fifty and took us through their village and to their school.  Their hospitality to so many people was touching it.  We were lucky enough to play with their children, and although we didn’t speak the same language, we still learned from them.

Seeing the people who are already feeling the early effects of climate change had an impact on me.  Where I come from, I am so far removed from the effects of climate change.  Since currently it does not impact my daily life, it was an eye-opening experience to see people whose normal routines are being affected.  We saw how simply those people were living, and how low their carbon emissions are, yet they will be some of those hardest hit by climate change.  Climate change became much more personal for me when I saw the injustice of how the biggest emitters are the farthest removed from climate change.  

At the same time, seeing this community was inspiring. Seeing the simplicity of their lives showed us how it is possible to live sustainably.  Our visit was a turning point for me, and I will take what I have learned from the people in Tasisuaq home with me.