title: Climate change and consequences in the Arctic: perception of climate change by the Nenets people of Vaigach Island.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Arctic climate change is already having a significant impact on the environment, economic activity, and public health. For the northern peoples, traditions and cultural identity are closely related to the natural environment so any change will have consequences for society in several ways.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire was given to the population on the Vaigach island, the Nenets who rely to a large degree on hunting, fishing and reindeer herding for survival. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted about perception of climate change.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Climate change is observed and has already had an impact on daily life according to more than 50% of the respondents. The winter season is now colder and longer and the summer season colder and shorter. A decrease in standard of living was noticeable but few were planning to leave.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Climate change has been noticed in the region and it has a negative impact on the standard of living for the Nenets. However, as of yet they do not want to leave as cultural identity is important for their overall well-being.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Ecological Problems of the North, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Arkhangelsk, Russia. davydov@arh.ru
authors.forename: Alexander N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Davydov
authors.forename: Galina V
authors.initials: GV
authors.lastname: Mikhailova
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000822:Animal Husbandry; D025041:Animal Migration; D000818:Animals; D001110:Arctic Regions; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D057231:Climate Change; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D044382:Population Groups / Q000523:psychology*; D011634:Public Health; D011639:Public Opinion; D011788:Quality of Life; D012053:Reindeer; D012621:Seasons; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult