Officials raise red flag as unprecedented conditions sever vital food supply routes: 'It's about daily survival'

Indigenous communities in Ontario are facing the loss of vital food supply routes, their homes, their history, and their culture because of the continuing rise of global temperatures. 

Now, they're urging the Canadian government to take action and include more First Nations voices in discussions about climate-related legislation. 

What's happening?

The Economic Times reported that communities in Eabametoong First Nation and Cat Lake in Northern Ontario are facing changes that threaten their very survival because of warmer seasons. 

There, cold winters are necessary for the existence of ice roads, which allow communities to access travel and basic goods like groceries. 

However, with temperatures increasing, winter is coming later, affecting when communities build their ice roads. Spring is coming earlier, so the roads are melting almost a month before they used to. 

Without access to ice roads, the region must fly in essential grocery staples, which exponentially raises the prices of these items. The lack of ice roads also means they can bring in fewer building supplies, worsening a severe housing crisis.

The late building and early thawing are wreaking havoc on the planning of spring goose hunts, which aren't only vital for providing food but also mark a significant cultural tradition for these communities.

Between increased food prices, lack of access to reliable roads, and more time spent isolated, Indigenous communities in the area are increasingly concerned. 

Chief Russell Wesley explained to the Times: "This isn't just about tradition anymore. It's about daily survival."

Why is this important?

Global temperatures will continue to rise until something significant is done to reduce the gas pollution caused by dirty energy. With warmer seasons also comes more extreme weather events, which contribute to the loss of vital supply routes. 

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More frequent hurricanes and tornadoes can wash away roads or destroy grocery stores, leaving people with fewer options to access food. Fewer options mean grocery prices will continue to increase, which could lead to more people going hungry. 

Warmer seasons also affect crops, as higher temperatures disrupt ecosystems and cause drought-like conditions, which could limit what's available in stores and increase prices even more.

What's being done about Canadian ice roads?

Besides requesting that the government take action, some communities in Northern Ontario are looking at long-term solutions that may help. 

One idea communities have explored is all-season roads; however, Canadian government officials said paying for these roads isn't their responsibility, and since all-season roads are expensive, it's unclear whether they could get built.

Other debated ideas include climate-related educational programs, economic partnerships, and even opening up areas for mining precious minerals.

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