In Churchill, Canada, the town adapts to climate warming and thrives in tourism

Churchill, Manitoba, September 10, 2024. This remote town, located on the shores of Hudson Bay where the tundra meets the forest, has been adapting to various changes. As the military withdrew and the economic base collapsed, railway services and cargo ships disappeared. But the town has turned to tourism, attracting tourists with polar bear viewing and becoming the polar bear capital of the world.

Local mechanics build and modify recreational vehicles for safe polar bear viewing, and tourists spend a considerable amount on each visit. As climate change threatens polar bear tourism, Churchill promotes beluga whale tourism and emphasizes aurora viewing, bird watching, and dog sledding, preparing for the possible loss of the polar bear viewing season.

Mayor Mike Spence has been mayor since 1995. He says one must adapt to changes and not be distressed by problems. The town took over the closed port and damaged railway tracks and got them running again. Facing the problem of permafrost melting and ground subsidence, new buildings use metal jacks that can be adjusted.

Lauren Sorkin, executive director of the Resilient Cities Network, praises Churchill as a model for adapting to the impacts of climate change on the economy and tourism. Mayor Spence recalls the past and believes in doing things with solutions.

The railway was once washed out due to poor maintenance and service was suspended for 18 months. Later, the Arctic Gateway Group took over the port and railway line. Service resumed and transportation volume increased. Former chamber of commerce president Dave Daley emphasizes the key of local ownership. Residents reject large chain hotels.

As Churchill develops, the past is evoked by tourists. At the same time, residents also notice the weather changes. The Arctic is warming rapidly. Although Churchill is in a slightly better situation, it also takes it seriously and is striving to find the right way to adapt to climate change and cooperate with it.