How reindeer help fight climate change

Reindeer in Lapland, a region located in the Arctic Circle, play a crucial role in combating climate change. They contribute to the environment by consuming shrubs, which enhances the reflectivity of snow and ice. Tiina Jeremejeff, a reindeer herder of Sami descent, tends to her family's herd in a large enclosure during the winter months. The climate in Kierinki, where she resides, is extremely cold, with temperatures dropping to -15C. Despite the harsh weather conditions, she ensures that the reindeer are fed regularly.

Recent studies indicate that reindeer are instrumental in preserving the ecosystem, including the snow cover, open forest with its low-growing berry bushes, mosses and lichen. The Arctic region is experiencing a warming trend that is four times faster than the rest of the planet. However, the grazing habits of reindeer can help mitigate some of the effects of this rapid climate change.

Reindeer herding is a source of income for more than 20 indigenous communities in the Arctic. Approximately 100,000 individuals are engaged in herding about 2. 5 million domesticated reindeer across nine countries. These communities have traditionally relied on reindeer for transportation, clothing, and food. During the warmer months, the reindeer roam freely, feeding on lichen and other plants, and trampling the ground in the process. This activity prevents the proliferation of woody shrubs, a phenomenon known as 'shrubification'. If left unchecked, shrubification could transform the Arctic landscape and exacerbate the impact of climate change. However, reindeer help to decelerate this process by consuming and trampling on plants.