Greenland Turns Trash into Treasure
Synopsis
This article describes how open garbage dumps in northern communities attract polar bears and how communities in Greenland turn their waste into heat and electricity.
Students learn how leaders from Churchill, Manitoba, and Nunavut visited Greenland for ideas, and how tools like bear-proof bins, electric fencing, and sled dog teams in Ittoqqortoormiit help keep people and polar bears safe.
Teaching Materials
Classroom Implementation:
Use this article in a unit on human-wildlife conflict, waste management, or Arctic communities.
Pair this article with background on Arctic sea ice so students can discuss why polar bears may spend more time near communities.
Extensions:
Have students expand on the idea of waste as a resource. How else can we use waste?
Have students debate the pros and cons of using waste for energy.
Sustainable Development Goals Connections:
Use this resource to make connections to SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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