The objective of the interview process was first, to ask participants who have lived in JMR for most of their lives how the climate or weather in the last 15-20 years is different from the climate 20-50 years ago, depending on the age of the participant. Secondly, participants were asked how the changes in climate have impacted (i.e. caused changes to) the environment; as well as the people, community and culture of the JMRFN.
Observations of climate change and their associated impacts were categorized into six themes. The process for selecting these themes is primarily based on the observations common among most, if not all, of the interviewees; and from major climate change topics identified in the literature review related to changes in the weather and the environment, such as thinner ice cover on lakes and rivers and melting permafrost. The six themes identified for this project are:
- Seasonal Weather Patterns
- Rivers, Lakes, and Water Quality
- Permafrost
- Wildlife
- Vegetation
- Community and Culture
4. Climate Change Observations and Experiences in Jean Marie River