March 3, 2004
On Tuesday March 3, 2004, Sheila Watt-Cloutier, Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference, provided written testimony to the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation about the threat posed by climate change to Inuit. Ms. Watt-Cloutiers written testimony was referred to repeatedly by the Chairman, Senator John McCain, as the full Committee listened to evidence from a select group of respected climate change scientists.
A principal focus of the hearing was a briefing provided by Dr. Robert Corell a Senior Fellow at the American Meteorological Society about the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA) of which he is chair. The ACIA, which will be tabled at a meeting of the Arctic Council in November 2004, is the most comprehensive regional climate assessment ever undertaken and points to dramatic and perilous changes to the Arctic environment as a result of global warming.
I am pleased that this bi-partisan Committee is taking the issue of climate change seriously, stated Sheila Watt-Cloutier. Inuit are facing the beginning of a possible end of a way of life that has allowed us to thrive for millennia because of the climate changes caused by global warming. It is predicted that in some fifty years polar bears, walrus and some species of seals will be pushed to extinction. What will be left of our culture if this comes to pass?
The United States is by far the largest contributor of greenhouse gases that cause global warming and climate change. The Bush Administration has consistently ignored the international scientific consensus that links rapid climate change to man-made greenhouse gas emissions and refused to take concerted action.
It is our hope that the White House will listen to its own scientists and to the international community. We need strong measures now to dramatically curb greenhouse gas emissions. Without such immediate action, not only are Inuit in peril but the entire planet is at risk. Ms. Watt-Cloutier concluded by saying: The Committee hearings, led by Senator McCain, are an important means to get this message out, not only to U.S. politicians, but to the American public who is eager to have the U.S. do the right thing.
Senator McCain suggested that a Congressional fact finding trip to the Arctic may be in order and that further hearings were warranted.
For more information, please contact:
Sheila Watt-Cloutier, Chair: (867) 979-4661
Paul Crowley, Legal Counsel: (867) 979-3396
Terry Fenge, Strategic Counsel: (613) 722-7006