Thinning Sea Ice Strains Greenland Coastal Settlements

Climate change is disrupting hunting, fishing and travel in Greenland’s small coastal communities as thinning sea ice makes traditional activities more difficult and dangerous. Oqaatsut, a settlement of about 50 people, has faced population decline, but a flounder-processing plant created jobs and helped the community rebound from roughly 20 residents in 2018. Residents are working to sustain their traditional way of life, while housing shortages and environmental change continue to threaten the future of remote settlements.