Greenland's warming winter creates uncertainty for hunters, fishers and tour operators

Preliminary data show Nuuk experienced its warmest January on record and much of Greenland has had unusually little snow, prompting postponed hunts and changes to fishing and tour operations.

Greenland has seen an unusually warm winter and a shortage of snow this season. Preliminary figures from the Danish Meteorological Institute reported that Nuuk had its warmest January on record, with average temperatures well above the historical mean. Jacob Hoyer of Denmark's National Centre for Climate Research said Greenland is warming faster than the global average. Those conditions are affecting local hunting, fishing and tourism activities. Observed impacts: - Nuuk recorded an unusually warm January, with average temperatures notably above the historical norm. - Ski runs in the capital have not opened and local slopes have very little snow. - Officials postponed the annual Musk Ox hunt because ice and snow do not meet the ministry's safety threshold for motorized travel across waterways and land. - Fishers have adjusted methods, including using long lines left overnight rather than daily net hauls, and some tour operators have canceled or warned customers about snowmobile excursions. Summary: The warmer, low-snow conditions have led to postponed hunts, altered fishing practices and disruptions to scheduled tours across parts of Greenland. Officials reported the unusually mild temperatures and cited safety criteria that are not currently met for some traditional activities. Undetermined at this time.