Climate
The Arctic Cordillera has one of Canada's most inhospitable climates. During winter, the temperature averages at −35 °C (−31 °F), and is very dark and long, while it is somewhat milder and more humid in the southernmost portions of the cordillera. Only about 1,400 people live in the region, found primarily in the communities of Clyde River, Qikiqtarjuaq (formerly known as Broughton Island), and Pond Inlet. The communities are rather small, having no more than 450 people per settlement. Most of the people who live in the region survive by hunting, fishing, and trapping.
Tree stumps were discovered in 1985 on Axel Heiberg Island dating back 40 million years, indicating this northerly part of the cordillera was warmer and wetter than its present-day climate.
With climate change, the biodiversity of this ecozone would likely increase. As the average temperature rises, more species would be able to inhabit this formerly cold and barren location. Since the currently limited biodiversity of the Arctic Cordillera is largely due to its cold climate and conditions, the effect of climate change will likely cause the biodiversity to increase dramatically as well. Also, the melting of ice and glaciers will make room for more species of plants to thrive, as well as cause the appearance of fungi species.
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