There is currently a joint research project between SMHI, Stockholm University, Luleå University of Technology and several Sami villages that will investigate the impact of reindeer husbandry on climate change.
Among other things, SMHI raises the problem that winter grazing is negatively affected by mild weather, that increased rainfall also impairs grazing opportunities and that increasing heat waves in the summer stress the reindeer.
“Have development in their hands”
Erik Kjellström, professor of climatology at SMHI, sees the need for climate impact analysis for reindeer husbandry as a result of the green transition’s dilemma.
– The climate scenario gives a very dark picture of the future. Climate change is very big and fast – but where humans have a little control over the development and can control it, there are many different scenarios, he says and continues:
– Then we have the dilemma with the green transition: which can affect reindeer husbandry negatively and at the same time in a different way. It is a difficult trade-off and balance – but important to find. If we don’t address the emissions and we have rampant climate change that happens quickly, there will be very serious consequences and problems in the future.
To last for four more years
However, climate change is far from the only factor affecting reindeer husbandry.
Gunhild Ninis Rosqvist, professor of geography at Stockholm University, focuses in the project more on the land exploitation within Sápmi.
– Cumulative effects of mineral extraction, energy production and forestry have fragmented and reduced the availability of grazing land for a long time. Through climate change’s need for fossil-free energy, the impact will continue to increase, she says.
The project has been ongoing for a year and will continue for another four years, where new results will be presented in the autumn.
– It is important that knowledge is collected in order to gain a better understanding of how the reindeer industry must meet and adapt, says Kjellström.