Fertility and Reproductive Health Decisions in Response to Climate Change and Adaptation in Greenland: Interviews with reproductive-aged men and women, 2022-2024

Reproduction in Greenland is influenced by connection to place and access to natural resources, factors that will vary with climate adaptation. Given existing fertility and reproductive health disparities among Kalaallit women, there is a compelling reason to explore how climate change effects and adaptation might influence fertility decisions and population dynamics in Greenland. Rooted in the principles of community based participatory research, this exploratory and comparative study investigated the social, environmental, and economic resources that affect fertility decisions for Kalaallit in Greenland. Interviews were conducted with 35 reproductive-aged (18-49 years) men and women in two communities about climate adaptation, natural resources, economic development, and fertility and reproductive health. In Paamiut, 22 interviews were conducted (8 male and 14 female). In Nuuk, 13 interviews were conducted (8 male and 5 female). Interview guides included questions about personal education and work history; living in Greenland; work; fertility decisions; healthcare; natural environment; climate change perspectives; hunting; fisheries; and hopes for the future of Greenland.