Nuna: Effective mitigation and adaptation to changing ground conditions for resilient coastal futures

Lead Research Organisation: Northumbria University
Department Name: Fac of Engineering and Environment

Abstract

Across Inuit Nunangat, critical infrastructure, navigation routes, homes, and food and water security in coastal communities are threatened by erosion, subsidence and related flooding. Amongst the most dramatic example of the challenges faced by Arctic communities is Tuktoyaktuk (also Tuktuyaaqtuuq), Northwest Territories, where the northwest portion of the Hamlet will potentially be lost due to coastal erosion within the next 20 years while additional areas will suffer increased flooding. The critical issues faced are varied and complex and their impacts both direct and indirect. Through close working relationships, recent research advances, and continued community discussions it became evident that many of the core problems center on changing ground conditions. For example, the loss of land through coastal erosion damages infrastructure, forces relocation, and releases hazardous material in the form of floating obstructions, sediment that blocks channels, and pollutants or chemicals from waste sites harmful to marine life. A warming climate has also resulted in accelerated degradation of permafrost and in particular ice within the ground. The resulting subsidence damages infrastructure and access routes, increases the likelihood of flooding, and turns a vegetated landscape into sprawling mud slump complexes that remove habitats and produce very dusty environments. The potential physical impacts of these changes on people are clear but the extent, timing, and future trends remain uncertain due to limited targeted and appropriate data. Additionally, the wider effects on mental health and on social, economic, and cultural wellbeing within the community are poorly understood. Therefore, strategic decision-making and effective mitigation and adaptation urgently require new sustainable (community-driven) solutions to changing ground conditions.

The Nuna (Inuvialuktun for 'land', 'country' and 'soil') project draws together a diverse and interdisciplinary team that will provide new appropriate tools and solutions to mitigate and adapt to ground instability impacts. The dramatic and variable effects of changing ground conditions will be addressed through state-of-the-art solutions, transformative and transferrable approaches, and sustained, respectful and productive working relationships. Nuna will equip and train community climate monitors to develop new, significantly more accurate predictions of future erosion rates using 3D processing techniques, which we have already successfully piloted during the pandemic. Advanced ground survey approaches will produce the first subsidence vulnerability maps for current and planned settlement sites. New low-cost monitoring technologies will provide an early warning system for preventative action before damaging levels of change occur and assess the success of nature-based solutions to ground instability. Nuna will also provide new information on the real-time threats to health from air quality changes from new dust sources in the changing landscape and water-based threats such as driftwood or contaminants released during storm events. Running across these practical solutions to changing ground conditions Nuna will also determine which of the many potential cultural social, economic and health impacts need to be prioritized and work with residents to produce effective and culturally appropriate mitigation strategies. Through the meaningful co-production of all stages of the research process, the outcomes and enduring impacts of Nuna impacts will extend well beyond the communities directly involved.
 
Description 'coastguard' - COmmunity bASed climate moniTorinG of mercUry And micRoplastics in seawater and seDiments
Amount $136,170 (CAD)
Organisation Government of Canada 
Sector Public
Country Canada
Start 06/2023 
End 06/2026
 
Description Environment Canada collaboration 
Organisation Environment and Climate Change Canada
Country Canada 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution New analysis techniques for their archive datasets
Collaborator Contribution Access to historic archives of video footage of the entire Beaufort Sea and Mckenzie delta coastlines.
Impact Conference presentations
Start Year 2022
 
Description National Research Council Canada 
Organisation National Research Council of Canada
Country Canada 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution New tools and techniques to provide co-developed solutions to the impacts of ground thaw driven by climate change.
Collaborator Contribution Specific expertise in coastal wave modelling and InSAR mointoring as well as the installation of new active thermosyphons and nature-based solutions.
Impact Conference presentations
Start Year 2022
 
Description Natural Resources Canada 
Organisation Natural Resources Canada
Department Geological Survey of Canada
Country Canada 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution New methods and technologies, used and supported by Canadian research scientists to support effective decision-making in Arctic Canada
Collaborator Contribution Large scale logistical support and resources and existing databases as well as site access and permissions
Impact Numerous publications and further collaborative projects. Spanning across Geography, Geomatics, Engineering, Geochemistry and Social Sciences
Start Year 2017
 
Description Disappearing Homes 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact The Nuna team worked with the BBC and Interact to help provide material and information to a new production on 'Disappearing Homes'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZAoQTpmzcQ
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZAoQTpmzcQ
 
Description International Day of Permafrost - Invited Talk 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The meeting featured a series of presentations introducing organizations and groups working on permafrost such as PERMOS, INTERACT and Permafrost Carbon Network (full list below). There were presentations on transnational projects and some discursive sessions on issues facing the permafrost research community around the world, coordinating research and data efforts, such as data sharing and interoperability between countries.

Participants discussed how we can maximize the many initiatives around the world to secure long-term sustainable support and funding for permafrost research, future shared infrastructure, and how we can work together to raise awareness of the issues caused by thawing permafrost and climate change. There was a varied and stimulating program of research presentations, interactive activities, and breakout sessions to promote networking and group discussions between members of the permafrost community.

The International Day of Permafrost was:

Informative - The event provides an opportunity for organizations working on permafrost to introduce themselves to a wider audience and engage with people new to the field or unfamiliar with their work. Attendees had the chance to ask questions and take part in breakout discussions with a wide variety of organizations.
Engaging - The event enabled the community to forge stronger connections and get to know each other through formal and informal online spaces.
Sharing - Transnational projects and international collaborations were showcased, enabling researchers to share the outcomes of their work and provide examples of effective ways of working together.
Discursive - The event provided attendees opportunities to get together and discuss a variety of issues of importance to the permafrost community.
Forward looking - The event provided a forum for the permafrost community to discuss their vision for future infrastructure, funding, and long-term sustainability of permafrost research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.permafrostnet.ca/resources/events/nserc-permafrostnet-international-day/
 
Description Let's talk science: Climate change impacts in the Arctic 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Four expert panelists talked about their research to over 300 high school pupils on an online panel and Q&A session. There we several interactive elements and quizzes to check learning and progression and awareness of climate impacts in the Arctic. There were many questions and great sense of commonality in how to do good science/research in the Arctic and really engage with communities and the wider public. The all considered the impact they can have on climate change in their own lives.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://letstalkscience.ca/events/all-about-arctic-arcticnet-mini-conference
 
Description Tuktoyaktuk Community Leadership Consultation 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact The team involved in delivering work package 5 focusing on the social impacts of climate change travelled to Tuktoyaktuk in November. The focus of this visit was to introduce the team to the community, and to propose research activities to document community members' values and priorities in order to inform adaptation strategies.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023