Globalising challenges of well-being in the Finnish North

Abstract

The processes related to the globalization and climate change are challenging the well-being in Finnish North. The aim of this article is to identify the factors related to the global change which will affect the well-being of people in Finnish North, and to discuss the possible means of adjustment and adaptation as response to the emerging new settings. We have reviewed the recent scientific literature considering climate change, globalization and well-being. According to our research, the global change impacts the well-being of individuals and society on many fronts: The processes of global economy renders the local economies unpredictable. Such changes will also alter the cultural and socio-economic composition of communities, fundamentally changing the traditional ways of life. In addition, the climate change is further challenging the society: the changes in natural environments can impair the physical security in small peripheral communities. However, the recent advancements in communication technology may help individuals and communities to adapt in a rapidly changing world.