0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- I'm Siwan Davies - and my work involves researching...
0:00:08 > 0:00:12- ..how the planet's climate - has changed in the distant past.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16- I've gathered significant evidence - on Greenland's ice sheet.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20- These days we're facing - another change in our climate...
0:00:21 > 0:00:25- ..that is completely different - from those I've studied.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29- Modern climate change is caused - by the actions of humans...
0:00:29 > 0:00:31- ..rather than natural processes.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35- As a result, the future - is uncertain and challenging.
0:00:42 > 0:00:47- It's my quest in this series to see - how climate change affects people.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51- I've never been given - this opportunity before.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- Usually, - I collate scientific data...
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- ..so it's a fresh - and unique experience...
0:00:58 > 0:01:03- ..to meet people in order - to prove these effects for myself.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09- Greenland, Kalaallit Nunaat, - is a vast country...
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- ..covering - 2.2 million square kilometres.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16- It's the world's largest island...
0:01:16 > 0:01:19- ..with more than 80% of it - covered in a sheet of ice...
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- ..which is melting - on a massive scale.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- It's the equivalent - of losing five Bala Lakes a day.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31- This year it's melting two months - earlier than it's ever done before.
0:01:37 > 0:01:43- Greenland's 56,000 inhabitants live - on the island's southern fringes.
0:01:47 > 0:01:52- I want to see how climate change - affects the country and its people.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- The climate - has shaped Greenland's history.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- For a country that's so white, - where did its name come from?
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- There was a warm period - during the 10th century.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- This is when Erik the Red, - a Viking from Iceland...
0:02:12 > 0:02:15- ..came to Greenland - and saw its agricultural land.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18- Behind me, across the water...
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- ..he established his farm, - Brattahlid.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- He set about - attracting more Vikings here...
0:02:25 > 0:02:27- ..and some farms - still exist to this day.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36- Erik the Red was the first - to discover green land.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39- It was warmer here - because the Sun's activity was high.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44- I'm meeting some of the farmers - who live on the same land today...
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- ..and to hear more - about what happened to the Vikings.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58- It's strange to think - we can cross this fjord in winter.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12- The village - is now called Qassiarsuk.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16- It's a close-knit community - sustained by sheep farming.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- I'm meeting - local teacher Elen Frederiksen.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- The village has 50 inhabitants...
0:03:25 > 0:03:30- ..along with a school, a chapel, a - small shop and a hostel for walkers.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35- The memorial statue of - Leif Eriksson, Erik the Red's son...
0:03:35 > 0:03:38- ..supports the belief - he was the first Viking...
0:03:39 > 0:03:41- ..to sail to North America.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44- The native language - is Kalaallisut...
0:03:44 > 0:03:48- ..though the colonial language - is Danish.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50- Many, like Elen, also speak English.
0:03:53 > 0:03:58- Geographically, Greenland is part of - the continent of North America.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- I met one of the island's young - people who speaks three languages.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11- David Heilmann Ottossen.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15- He works in an exhibition - at Erik the Red's ancient farm.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- Erik's wife insisted he build her - a chapel in which to worship.
0:04:19 > 0:04:24- This was the first Christian chapel - on the North American continent.
0:04:34 > 0:04:39- David explained that Erik persuaded - other Vikings to follow him here...
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- ..since the land - was so green and fertile.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45- Birch trees were felled...
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- ..to build a farm where they kept - sheep, cattle and horses.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55- But this warm period in Greenland - was short lived.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00- Later it started to cool again - and became the Little Ice Age.
0:05:03 > 0:05:08- I asked David to explain - what happened in the 15th century.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16- All the Vikings disappeared within - 500 years due to a mini ice age.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- They couldn't tolerate the cold.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- The Northwest Passage froze over.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25- It was an ocean - where ships came and went.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- They couldn't buy goods such as salt - that was vital to store fish.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- The farm animals died, - so they no longer had milk.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- The indigenous Inuit who lived here - knew how to hunt and fish.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41- The Vikings failed to adapt.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- Now there's another change - facing the inhabitants.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48- This time, - it's not a natural change.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- Life is changing - in Kalaallit Nunaat.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- The weather's changing, - glaciers are shrinking...
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- ..and the ice caps are melting - faster than ever before.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- Animals are moving from their - habitats and changing behaviour.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08- The polar bear can't catch seals - because the ice is disappearing.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- It comes into the villages - because it smells food.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- As a result, - seal numbers are rising.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19- Since they feed on fish - and us humans also fish...
0:06:19 > 0:06:21- ..their numbers are in decline.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- Killing seals is unacceptable - because they're so harmless...
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- ..so we can't control the numbers - by exporting them either.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- This causes an economic crisis - for Greenland's natives.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- David claims - that life here is exciting now.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- Ice melts, revealing land...
0:06:43 > 0:06:48- ..with the possibility of mining - for precious minerals underground.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- The Arctic holds 25% of - the world's oil and gas reserves...
0:06:53 > 0:06:55- ..along with precious minerals...
0:06:55 > 0:06:59- ..such as nickel, iron, - copper, uranium and gold.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- Without the ice, - these can be mined...
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- ..which is great news - for Greenland's economy.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10- The Northwest Passage that was - once closed to ships due to ice...
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- ..would open, - making commerce easier.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18- On the one hand, - we fear the changes...
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- ..but I notice that some people - are hopeful as the ice melts.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27- Land is exposed and is - available for mining and farming.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- People enjoy warmer weather.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32- It'll be a boost for the economy.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- Some regard it - as a gateway to independence.
0:07:37 > 0:07:42- Those who are facing the challenge - head on are Greenland's farmers.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- With Elen interpreting, - I met Fred Frederiksen...
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- ..who told me about the - village of Qassiarsuk's history.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05- Otto Frederiksen - my great-great-grandfather...
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- ..came to establish a sheep farm - on Erik the Red's farm.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11- He started building it - in July 1924...
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- ..before his family - and sheep arrived in September.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- Today, I own one of - the 15 sheep farms on the island.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- Has Fred noticed any changes - as the climate changes?
0:08:26 > 0:08:28- I first noticed a change in 2006.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- Drought is the main worry - and it's worsening.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- There was no rain for two months - during the summer of 2015.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39- I fear there isn't enough grass - to feed sheep in winter.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- He must import feed from Denmark, - which costs a fortune.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- Too many sheep - are grazing on the best land.
0:08:49 > 0:08:54- The drought endangers sheep farming, - one of the area's few industries.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- It's the same story on Elen's farm.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- Not having enough grass - is a major concern.
0:09:18 > 0:09:23- Unlike before, a warmer climate - means they can now grow vegetables.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- Warmer weather - caused quite a stir...
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- ..with many hoping life - would be easier in this Frigid Zone.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36- However, her husband, Carl, quickly - realized that life was harder.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- The problem is that we have to plant - vegetables in the south in May...
0:09:44 > 0:09:47- ..at the same time - as lambing season.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- It's impossible to do both...
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- ..although I do have - a good crop of rhubarb.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- One farmer is about to give up - sheep farming altogether...
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- ..to focus on growing vegetables.
0:10:12 > 0:10:17- Per Hansen lives on a remote farm - in the furthest corner of the fjord.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26- I come from - a rural community myself...
0:10:26 > 0:10:30- ..but it's very hard - to imagine what life is like here.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- Per farms alone, it's an hour - to the nearest town by tractor...
0:10:34 > 0:10:38- ..and the only other way - of reaching here is by boat.
0:10:42 > 0:10:47- Life is hard here. It's become - impossible to farm sheep.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- I now hope - to make a living as a carpenter...
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- ..and by - selling vegetables to locals...
0:10:54 > 0:10:59- ..since the milder climate helps to - grow white, red and green cabbage...
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- ..broccoli, potatoes, turnips, - beetroot and spinach.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- It's even possible nowadays - to grow strawberries.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09- I'll miss my sheep.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13- Five neighbouring farms - have ceased sheep farming this year.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18- I admire the natives' assiduity - for living here at all.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- However, Per's opinion is clear.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- It's a tough life but a free life.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- I probably couldn't live - anywhere else in the world.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- Despite how wonderful it is - to see an eagle nearby...
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- ..it's a common sight here.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- Per tells me this is the main - problem during lambing season.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41- Per's ability to adapt...
0:11:41 > 0:11:46- ..and live in such a remote setting, - despite the problems, amazes me.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55- Nature and landscape is important - to Greenland's natives.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- But what about - language and culture...
0:11:59 > 0:12:04- ..especially if foreign workers - come here to mine for minerals?
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- The culture of Greenland...
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- ..is a very strong culture.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- We're very protective - towards this culture.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- I believe this kind of impact...
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- ..this kind of inevitable change - will make people...
0:12:24 > 0:12:28- ..aware of things - are always in movement...
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- ..and this has to be - something people adapt to.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- Qujanaq. Thank you.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- It's the end of the day - in Qassiarsuk...
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- ..and it's been - thoroughly inspirational.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- The place is steeped in history.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- It's where Erik the Red came - in the 10th century.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53- Now I've had an insight into the - fragile lives of the inhabitants.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56- Only 50 people live here...
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- ..but their lives - are totally reliant on the weather.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- They're also very hopeful here.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- I've spoken - to one person in particular...
0:13:06 > 0:13:11- ..who's hopeful about the future - as a result of climate change.
0:13:19 > 0:13:19- .
0:13:23 > 0:13:23- Subtitles
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:34 > 0:13:37- I've seen - how life is changing in Greenland...
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- ..due to climate challenges.
0:13:39 > 0:13:44- Farming, an important industry here, - is becoming difficult.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- Since minerals and oil - are now easier to mine...
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- ..the culture's future - is at stake...
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- ..as foreigners capitalize - on new opportunities.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- But what about civic life?
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- I've reached the busy harbour - of Qaqortoq, further south.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- Fishing is the main industry here.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- It's also - the area's municipal centre.
0:14:15 > 0:14:20- The town is bigger than I expected - and incredibly colourful.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- Red denotes local government...
0:14:23 > 0:14:27- ..green for communication, - yellow for healthcare...
0:14:27 > 0:14:31- ..and blue for the all-important - maritime tradition.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37- I'm staying in a B&B with Heidi.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42- All visitors are given a lesson - in the Kalaallisut language.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- It'd be interesting - to see this happen in Wales.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47- PRONOUNCES WORD
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- That's hard!
0:14:51 > 0:14:55- Heidi Moller - has lived in Greenland all her life.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- Climate change will be - an advantage for me personally...
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- ..and an economy boost for the town.
0:15:03 > 0:15:04- More people will visit.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- Heating bills will be cheaper, - we'll have a variety of vegetables.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- We're a population of 55,000...
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- ..and life is hard.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19- Despite the advantages, I've - mixed feelings about the future.
0:15:19 > 0:15:24- I was so happy - because we will feel the sun...
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- ..and heating us up.
0:15:26 > 0:15:31- So, it was a new word, - climate change.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34- One thing I know...
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- ..is that the ice cap - is melting fast.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39- Very fast.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- It means also that...
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- ..the sea is getting higher.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- I will be - very concerned about the world.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- The rest of the world.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54- What can we do?
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- I can participate - in interviews like this...
0:15:58 > 0:16:03- ..and maybe it will help somewhere - to have this information...
0:16:05 > 0:16:07- ..like the world is crying...
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- ..or symptoms start - here in Kalaallit Nunaat.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- Honest people and a magical place...
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- ..but the effects of climate change - are plain to see.
0:16:21 > 0:16:26- Perhaps people in Greenland are - more aware of nature and weather...
0:16:26 > 0:16:30- ..because life is fragile - and survival is a feat.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- Heidi took me shopping.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41- A whale had been caught and all - the townsfolk came to buy the meat.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45- This only happens once - every four or five months...
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- ..so there's much celebration - and everyone helps out.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53- They'll work well into the night - chopping the meat.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55- The best meat - sold in the first two hours...
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- ..so Heidi missed out - on the best meat this time.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03- Whale meat - is essential to the people's diet...
0:17:03 > 0:17:05- ..as it's a source of fat.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- It's what keeps them warm - in winter...
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- ..when the entire town - is covered in snow.
0:17:12 > 0:17:17- Aside from a family feast, the rest - is sliced and stored for winter.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- During the colder months, - people eat whale meat...
0:17:21 > 0:17:23- ..with dry fish for energy.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31- Other hunters - sell their dry fish to villagers.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37- The ability to fish and hunt - sustained the Kalaallit...
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- ..while the Vikings failed.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- The key to survival - is the ability to adapt.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50- What will you do with this meat?
0:17:50 > 0:17:52- Feast!
0:18:12 > 0:18:15- Hi, Jorgen. Nice to meet you.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17- Thank you so much for meeting me.
0:18:17 > 0:18:22- Mayor Jorgen Johansen is committed - to improving the lives of locals.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26- I asked him to describe - the effects of climate change.
0:18:26 > 0:18:31- The advantages and disadvantages - on the area's people and economy.
0:18:35 > 0:18:40- People are feeling the heat and - farmers are experiencing a drought.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- It hasn't rained for two months, - which is a very new problem.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- As the inner ice melts - and the water warms...
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- ..the fjord - is unlikely to freeze in winter.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55- 20 years ago, the fjords - froze solidly every time.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59- But I'm keen to capitalize - on opportunities that arise.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01- There's a plan in place - for mining...
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- ..a new strategy - for tourism and fishing.
0:19:04 > 0:19:09- But is there a danger that - these industrial developments...
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- ..will damage - the environment further?
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- We don't want any mining that's bad - for our health and our environment.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- We want a green form of mining - by utilizing hydro power.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27- That's what'll make our country - competitive in the global market.
0:19:29 > 0:19:30- But what about the culture?
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- They'll have to deal - with thousands of incomers...
0:19:35 > 0:19:37- ..integrating into communities.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40- I asked - if it would affect the language.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45- We're adamant we won't lose that - in any development.
0:19:45 > 0:19:50- Language and culture will become - part of the negotiation process...
0:19:50 > 0:19:52- ..before people come here to mine.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- A plan will ensure - that the people and the culture...
0:19:56 > 0:19:58- ..will benefit - from the developments.
0:19:59 > 0:20:05- As you know, in Wales, the language - is the bottom of your hearts.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08- It is - the very essence of your culture.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- It is in Greenland - and we don't want to lose that...
0:20:12 > 0:20:16- ..no matter - what kind of development we accept.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20- I think brightly of the future - because...
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- ..as Eleanor Roosevelt once said...
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- .."The future belongs to those...
0:20:26 > 0:20:29- "..who believe - in the beauty of their dreams."
0:20:29 > 0:20:34- I think the future for South - Greenland is full of opportunities.
0:20:34 > 0:20:39- And it is a wise utilization....
0:20:40 > 0:20:42- ..of those opportunities...
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- ..that will enable us to create a - better life for people living here.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49- Qujanaq. Thank you.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- I've met many different people - in Greenland...
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- ..and heard different viewpoints.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- Some people find it difficult...
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- ..while others talk of exciting - opportunities in the future.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19- But one thing which struck me - more than anything...
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- ..was hearing - and feeling Heidi's love...
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- ..for Kalaallit Nunaat.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35- On the northern tip of the world, - where summers are always bright...
0:21:35 > 0:21:40- ..the bleak winters - are a cradle for Kalaallit Nunaat.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- When winter brings with it - a sheet of ice...
0:21:44 > 0:21:46- ..the fisherman still fishes...
0:21:46 > 0:21:50- ..fighting the snow - to survive on Kalaallit Nunaat.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57- From the planet's polar region, - where nature is safe and content...
0:21:57 > 0:22:02- ..its wildness is a wave after wave - for the Kalaallit Nunaat Inuit.
0:22:05 > 0:22:10- Another day ends and I feel as if - I'm leaving Kalaallit Nunaat...
0:22:10 > 0:22:15- ..having learnt so much about - the people, language and culture.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- It's such a unique place, - it's a privilege to be here.
0:22:18 > 0:22:24- But the effects of climate change - will not only affect Greenland...
0:22:24 > 0:22:29- ..the rest of the world - is also in danger.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33- I travel to the Maldives, - which are already suffering...
0:22:33 > 0:22:38- ..due to the level of the sea rising - as Kalaallit Nunaat's ice melts.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- Giant glaciers are melting.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- The sun's rays - are now intensifying...
0:22:49 > 0:22:54- ..after every dawn during - Kalaallit Nunaat's long summers.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57- But will the snowflakes fall - as white diamonds...
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- ..like a whale's skin, - all shiny and smooth...
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- ..to freeze the rivers and lakes...
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- ..during - the Kalaallit Nunaat winter?
0:23:23 > 0:23:25- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:26 > 0:23:26- .