Greenland

Male. Age 55. Fisherman, Nuuk, Greenland

Have you heard of COP15, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen? [Yes/No] Yes!

Do you think that climate change affects you in your daily life? If so how?

Yes, fishing is withdrawing. We need to sail longer to catch shrimp and work harder and longer.

What do you see as the most severe problems for the climate?

The greatest problem is probably that the ice around us is melting, which is affecting the seals, there are not as many as before, to hunt.

Do you personally feel any responsibility for the climate and are there any things you can do to contribute to a better climate?

I grew up in a society where we live of what is around us in the nature, fish, whales, birds, and reindeer.

It is difficult to go hunting without having a boat with a good engine, especially now when there are not as many seals as before.

How do you think our built environment affects climate? What should we change in our built environment to help prevent climate change?

It is necessary to demolish many of the old houses and build new ones that are better insulated.

Female. Age 23. Student, Nuuk, Greenland

Have you heard of COP15, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen? [Yes/No] Yes!

Do you think that climate change affects you in your daily life? If so how?

Climate change does not affect me much in my everyday life, but I fear for our culture, where many are depending on the nature and climate, both through work and lifestyle.

What do you see as the most severe problems for the climate?

The greatest problem will probably be that Greenland would loose its identity if we will not be able to live as our parents did. Not meant that we do not need to evolve, but that our culture is in our veins and if we can not live in harmony with the nature we will loose a piece of our selves.

Do you personally feel any responsibility for the climate and are there any things you can do to contribute to a better climate?

I try to remember to turn of the light, also as it matters for my personal economy.

How do you think our built environment affects climate? What should we change in our built environment to help prevent climate change?

Many of our houses are old and leaking. Insulation is not used very much, as the oil is cheap up here. We have the world’s lowest price on oil and very high building costs. With this situation there is no economical gain in improving the houses. Not even in the long run.