Situated on Baffin Island at the mouth of Frobisher Bay, Iqaluit is the capital of Nunavut, Canada’s largest and northernmost territory. Enduring extreme Arctic conditions with long, harsh winters and brief summers, its geographic location makes it highly vulnerable to climate change impacts.

Iqaluit faces escalating risks from coastal flooding and sea level rise due to its proximity to the waterfront, where beach crest elevations are as low as 5.1 meters. A one-meter rise in water level could extend flooding approximately 16 meters inland, potentially inundating 28% of the coastal area and affecting vital infrastructure. The region also contends with diminishing sea ice, which has led to longer open water seasons since 1969, increasing erosion and infrastructure risks near shorelines. Furthermore, significant wave-producing winds have caused wave heights up to 1.6 meters, with run-up reaching 1 meter during high spring tides. This combination poses severe risks to critical infrastructure like sewage lagoon dams, threatening substantial environmental damage.

In response, Iqaluit has implemented comprehensive resilience strategies encompassing governance, funding, and community involvement. The Government of Nunavut has taken a proactive role through its Upagiaqtavut strategic plan, enhancing adaptive capacity by integrating climate considerations into policy and promoting community-based climate monitoring and education. Despite challenges in obtaining strong leadership commitment at higher levels, efforts continue to mainstream climate adaptation strategies into governmental decision-making processes.