Shishmaref, a tiny island between alaska and siberia in the Chukchi sea is home to around 600 inuits or eskimos. As hunter gatherers their carbon footprint is tiny and as such are least responsible for global warming/climate change. Yet they are suffering greatly as a result. Their problem is twofold, as temperatures rise the sea ice that used to protect thier island home forming around late september is now not forming until late december. this leaves them vulnerable to autumn and early winter storms that are eroding their island and washing it into the sea. Already 10 houses have been washed into the sea, and more have had to be moved back from the edge. They are looking at having to relocate their whole comunity to the mainland, but the government is refusing to pay for the relocation. Secondly the animals that they rely on for food are moving further north as temperatures warm, making them harder to find and hunt, threatening their ancient culture and identity.
