Inuit, environmentalists lobby for action at Paris climate conference

Inuit and environmental groups are at the climate change summit in Paris to warn against the the environmental, human and security threats of climate change and lobby for action.

The United Nations 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) started this week in Paris, bringing together indigenous and environmental groups from across the globe lobbying for decisive action on climate change that address both the environmental as well as the human cost of global warming.  

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"I think it's extremely important that the national leaders and the national governments know that the eyes of the people of the world are on them," said David Miller, president and CEO of World Wildlife Fund-Canada.

Miller has partnered with Sheila Watt-Cloutier, an award-winning Inuit leader for her work on climate change, to speak about the impact of climate change on nature and the environment as well as the people in the Arctic.

The melting of sea ice will not only affect ice-dependent species but also the traditional Inuit way of life, said Miller.

"That's why we need to see strong action in Paris this year."

Inuit need to be 'recognized, respected, funded'