A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Perceptions on and impacts of environmental changes under multiple stressors: a case study from two communities in northern Fennoscandia




AuthorsEilola, Salla; Horstkotte, Tim; Forbes, Bruce C.; Habeck, Joachim Otto; Komu, Teresa; Rasmus, Sirpa; Fagerholm, Nora

PublisherSpringer Nature

Publication year2024

JournalRegional Environmental Change

Journal name in sourceREGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE

Article numberARTN 89

Volume24

Issue2

ISSN1436-3798

eISSN1436-378X

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-024-02241-4(external)

Web address https://10.1007/s10113-024-02241-4(external)

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/456882757(external)


Abstract

Against the backcloth of particularly fast environmental change in the Arctic, this study juxtaposes local perceptions of environmental change in two communities in the boreal zone of Northern Europe with scientific data. The local knowledge was gathered through an online participatory mapping survey among the two communities and scientific evidence was gathered from various peer-reviewed and official monitoring sources. Local knowledge of environmental change in Savukoski (Finland) resembles that in Jokkmokk (Sweden). Most perceived changes are in line with scientific studies, public discourse, and local concerns in the Arctic. What differs, however, is the degree of correspondence between local and scientific knowledge on certain phenomena: some dynamics are well documented in both local and scientific observations whereas other dynamics require more nuanced scientific research, particularly considering their relevance for local livelihoods. Among these are: berry yields, the abundance of mosquitoes and other Nematocera, peatland thaw and frost, and changes in river and lake ice conditions. It is noteworthy that in both Savukoski and Jokkmokk, for many people the most impactful changes are caused by resource extraction rather than climate change. Local concerns and perceptions of environmental change are not all shared nor easily translate into adaptation strategies, but nonetheless they have clear policy implications.


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Funding information in the publication
Open Access funding provided by University of Turku (including Turku University Central Hospital). This research was funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement no. 869471 (CHARTER).


Last updated on 2025-27-01 at 18:33