Under the influence of a rapidly warming climate, abrupt changes have been observed along the coast of Greenland. This commentary is based on a Japanese research project initiated in 2012, in which we examined the recent changes in the coastal environment and their impacts on human society in Qaanaaq, a village in northwestern Greenland. Initially, our research sought to quantify the mass loss of glaciers and its interaction with the ocean in the Qaanaaq region. Over the course of the project in collaboration with local communities, we soon realised that the changes in glaciers and the ocean directly impacted the ~600 residents of Qaanaaq. We observed natural disasters triggered by climate change. Environmental changes are also important for local economy and industry because loss of sea ice may lead to growth in transportation, tourism and mineral resource exploration. In order to share the results of our study with the Qaanaaq community, and to gain understanding of local and traditional knowledge, we organised an annual meeting in the village every summer since 2016. Our experience demonstrates the critical importance of performing a long-term multidisciplinary study, including participation of the local communities to understand the changing environment, and to contribute to a sustainable future in Qaanaaq.

中文翻译：

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通过日本在格陵兰的实地研究：不断变化的自然环境及其对人类社会的影响

在气候迅速变暖的影响下，格陵兰沿岸发生了突变。本评论基于 2012 年发起的日本研究项目，在该项目中，我们研究了格陵兰岛西北部村庄 Qaanaaq 沿海环境的近期变化及其对人类社会的影响。最初，我们的研究试图量化 Qaanaaq 地区冰川的质量损失及其与海洋的相互作用。在与当地社区合作的项目过程中，我们很快意识到冰川和海洋的变化直接影响了卡纳克的约 600 名居民。我们观察到气候变化引发的自然灾害。环境变化对当地经济和工业也很重要，因为海冰的流失可能会导致交通运输的增长，旅游和矿产资源勘探。为了与 Qaanaaq 社区分享我们的研究成果，并了解当地和传统知识，自 2016 年以来，我们每年夏天都会在该村组织一次年度会议。我们的经验表明，开展长期的多学科研究非常重要研究，包括当地社区的参与，以了解不断变化的环境，并为卡纳克的可持续未来做出贡献。