Reindeer Herders: Unsung Climate Heroes in Lapland

Reindeer Herders: Preserving Ecosystems, Cultivating Resilience

Reindeer Herders: Unsung Climate Heroes

In the ethereal landscapes of Lapland, where darkness descends early and temperatures plummet, a group of unsung heroes roams amidst the snow and ice, quietly battling one of the most pressing issues of our time – climate change. These heroes are not caped crusaders or technological marvels but rather humble reindeer, whose existence and daily activities hold the key to preserving the fragile Arctic ecosystem.

Tiia Jeremejeff, a reindeer herder of Sami descent, knows the challenges of her profession all too well. In the bitter cold of a Lapland winter, she ventures out on her snowmobile to feed her family’s herd, braving temperatures that can plummet to -15C (-5F). “It’s not easy, being a reindeer herder,” she says. “But we have to go out and feed them, no matter how cold it gets.”

Yet, amidst these harsh conditions, emerging evidence suggests that reindeer may be more than just symbols of winter magic; they may hold the key to mitigating the impacts of climate change in the Arctic. Research indicates that by grazing on shrubs, reindeer help to increase the reflectivity of snow and ice, thereby combating the effects of warming temperatures.

For centuries, reindeer herding has been a way of life for indigenous communities in the Arctic, providing not just sustenance but also a deep cultural connection to the land. Today, more than 20 indigenous communities rely on reindeer herding for their livelihood, with approximately 100,000 people involved in herding 2.5 million domesticated reindeer across nine countries.

Traditionally, reindeer have served as more than just a source of food and income; they have also played a crucial role in shaping the Arctic landscape. Grazing reindeer prevent the growth of woody shrubs, a process known as “shrubification,” which threatens to transform the open forests and treeless tundra of the Arctic into dense, impenetrable forests.

As global warming accelerates the shrubification of the Arctic, reindeer herders like Tiia Jeremejeff and Tiina Sanila-Aikio are witnessing firsthand the impact of their animals’ grazing habits. “Reindeer eat lichen and other plants. They also trample on them, ensuring the vegetation remains sparse,” explains Jeremejeff. “This helps to keep the ground colder, preventing excessive heat absorption.”

Scientists have also uncovered the role of reindeer in regulating carbon emissions and preserving the albedo effect – the ability of snow and ice to reflect heat. By grazing on shrubs and preventing the growth of taller vegetation, reindeer help to maintain thick snow cover, thereby preserving the cooling effects of the Arctic landscape.

However, climate change poses new challenges for reindeer herding, including unpredictable weather patterns and the increased risk of rain-on-snow events. These challenges were starkly evident during the winter of 2019-2020, when icy layers formed on the snow, trapping lichen beneath and making it inaccessible to grazing reindeer.

To adapt to these changing conditions, some herders have resorted to supplementary feeding to prevent starvation among their animals. However, the confinement of reindeer could have unintended consequences for the Arctic ecosystem, as freely roaming reindeer play a crucial role in preventing shrubification and maintaining surface cooling.

How reindeer are helping the Arctic – BBC World Service

For the Sami people, the guardians of this ancient tradition, the preservation of reindeer herding practices is not just a matter of economic survival but also a deeply held commitment to their cultural heritage and the natural environment. “Nature is everything to Sami people,” says Sanila-Aikio. “We respect it, and we must give back to it.”

In a world grappling with the existential threat of climate change, the story of the reindeer herders of Lapland offers a glimmer of hope – a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the wisdom of traditional practices and the resilience of nature can prevail. As we strive to combat climate change, let us not forget the invaluable contributions of these humble guardians of the Arctic wilderness, whose actions today shape the climate of tomorrow.

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