Introduction

During the past several decades, the Arctic has warmed at an alarming rate. Average temperatures have risen 4-7 degrees Fahrenheit and are projected to rise an additional 10-15 degrees by 2100. For the indigenous inhabitants of the Arctic and subarctic regions of the United States, Canada, Russia and Greenland, this warming trend has been so severe and damaging that it threatens fundamental human rights. We believe that indigenous communities, which are recognized to have unique status under human rights law, could use human rights strategies to defend their rights and protect themselves ...