CCCAEIHW 2023 : CFP for Special Issue: Climate, Climate Change and the Arctic: Environment, Infrastructure, Health and Well-Being

Dear Colleagues,

Nowadays, the climate is changing globally. Climate change in the Arctic has widespread implications for indigenous and non-indigenous people, causing direct and indirect consequences for economic development and livelihoods as well as having significant health implications. Climate change is not only making the northern regions rainier, warmer and cloudier than before; it also increases the variability and likelihood of extreme weather events, including both heat waves and cold spells, which can seriously affect the hunting and fishing activities of the indigenous population.

Currently, the pressures imposed by environmental disasters related to climate change have been exacerbated by challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategic support is needed for the vulnerable Arctic and Subarctic indigenous population, especially senior (elderly) individuals, who need extensive healthcare in a rapidly changing political and economic global environment.

In this context, adaptation strategies within urban planning are of paramount importance and have become critical areas of examination. The Nordic countries have experienced warmer winters, stronger storms and greater precipitation, as the sea-level rises. The management of and planning for larger quantities of water, as well as adaptation of our territorial structures to climate changes require immediate attention. In the last hundred years, the sea level has risen by twenty centimeters and it is expected to rise even more over the next hundred years. This could cause a general change in coastlines. Assuming that those forecasts are exceeded, which has been taking place in recent times, this could imply a 60–70 centimeter increase on a regular basis.

In this Special Issue, we are pleased to invite researchers to join us in a debate of the crucial issues of climate and climate change in the Arctic, looking at their consequences for the environment, infrastructures, health and well-being.

This special issue aims to discuss 1) different aspects of human health and the effects of climate change, including extreme weather events, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic situation, on human health and well-being; and 2) mitigation and different future urban design scenarios to cope with the consequences of climate change. We welcome contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following aspects. Of special interest is the definition of extreme weather events, their spatial and temporal changes in the Arctic environments. What structures and solutions can be considered sustainable and what structures should be abandoned in the future? Different scenarios of future design with natural elements and built elements can be put forward as examples of future solutions in urban planning and design. Moreover, in the context of new challenges for healthcare professionals and families, front-line healthcare experiences and associated values can best inform the strategic directions to support more relevant programs and services for families living in the Arctic and Subarctic communities.

Dr. Elena Grigorieva
Dr. Sigríður Kristjánsdóttir
Guest Editors