Reindeer herding, Norway

This image shows a true color view over northern Norway and Finland, the Norwegian Sea and the gulf of Bothnia. Arctic reindeer herders are facing the challenges of adapting to climate change as a warmer Arctic climate makes it harder for herds to find food and navigate. To help them adapt, the ESA-backed Polar View initiative is providing them with satellite-based snow maps. Detailed circumpolar snow information is becoming increasingly important following the recent changes in the Arctic climate. The international Centre for Reindeer Husbandry is working with reindeer herders in Norway to help them maintain and develop sustainable reindeer husbandry. Temperature increases raise concerns about whether ice layers will form over pastures preventing reindeer from foraging. acquired on 7 AprI 2009 by Enviset/MERIS, CESA