The Impact of Climate Change on Reindeer Herders of Siberia
In The Impact of Climate Change on Reindeer Herders of Siberia, host Simon Reeve visits the Even people, a nomadic group of reindeer herders in the remote wilderness of Siberia. Simon discusses with one couple how climate change is threatening their way of life. This video is excerpted from BBC's Incredible Journeys With Simon Reeve, a series that highlights one journalist’s travels across the globe and the diverse cultures and peoples he meets along the way.
Lesson Express
Q: Explain how climate change is causing problems for the reindeer during the winter.
A: The reindeer rely on lichen as a food source. They must get through the snow to find it. If the weather becomes too warm and produces rain instead of snow, the water will freeze over the ground, making it impossible for the reindeer to reach the lichen.
Q: Why do you think only one of the Even couple’s children is still herding?
A: The harsh weather and nomadic lifestyle of the Even people is hard. The possibility of diminishing reindeer makes this way of life even more difficult because the reindeer are their livelihood.
Q: What are some ways that Arctic animals rely on the integrity of the snow to survive?
A: Student answers will vary. Animals that must dig tunnels in the snow would not have shelter if the snow became compacted. Animals that rely on vegetation beneath the snow would not be able to find food. Animals that rely on the frozen ground to migrate would not be able to move to their destination if the ground became too soft and muddy.
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