Assessing Climate Change Readiness in Nunavut: A Systematic Review of Adaptation Readiness, Policy, and CommunityLed Action

Abstract

A M Waheedul Hoque

Nunavut, a northern Canadian territory deeply affected by climate change, faces acute adaptation challenges due to rapid environmental transformations, socio-economic constraints, and legacies of colonial governance. This systematic review synthesizes peer-reviewed research to assess Nunavut’s adaptation readiness—defined as the capacity of institutions, policies, governance systems, communities, and Inuit knowledge to anticipate and respond to climate impacts. The review analyzes literature spanning policy frameworks, institutional capacity, community-led initiatives, youth engagement, and the integration of Inuit Qaujimaningit (IQ). Findings reveal that while Nunavut has developed adaptation plans and policies, implementation is limited by institutional fragmentation, inconsistent mandate enforcement, and insufficient funding. Community-led actions, particularly those grounded in Inuit knowledge, demonstrate practical, context-sensitive responses—especially in areas such as ice safety, wildlife co-management, and youth engagement. However, integration of Inuit knowledge into formal governance remains uneven and often symbolic. Emerging studies underscore the importance of intergenerational and urban–remote differences in adaptation needs and perceptions. Key barriers include a persistent implementation gap, weak institutional continuity, resource limitations, and a lack of evaluative frameworks. The review proposes six policy pathways to enhance readiness: enforceable institutional mandates, political continuity, sustainable funding, formalized knowledge integration, adaptive evaluation mechanisms, and context-specific strategies. Overall, readiness in Nunavut is advancing, but requires deeper alignment with Inuit worldviews, localized capacity-building, and sustained policy commitment to enable equitable, effective, and culturally grounded adaptation.

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