Reining in Warming: How Reindeer Keep the Arctic Cool

Reindeer are unlikely yet vital climate allies, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the Arctic against the escalating impacts of global warming.

As temperatures rise and growing seasons lengthen, the Arctic tundra faces a rapid spread of shrubs. These shrubs trap heat, disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem, and create a feedback loop of accelerated growth. Reindeer act as a natural counterbalance, grazing on and trampling shrubs to prevent their spread. In doing so, they help preserve the unique Arctic environment and protect it from overheating.

A 30-year study in Siberia’s Yamal Peninsula highlights the profound impact of reindeer on the landscape. Between 1986 and 2016, a 75% increase in the reindeer population maintained stable vegetation levels despite rising summer temperatures. This showcases reindeer’s critical role in halting shrubification while preserving habitats for native plants like mosses, lichens, and low-growing willows. These plants, integral to the tundra ecosystem, rely on the grazing and trampling patterns of reindeer to thrive in a warming world.

Reindeer also play a key role in cooling the planet by enhancing the albedo effect—the reflective quality of snow and ice that bounces sunlight back into space.

Shrubs, with their darker surfaces, absorb heat and cause snow to melt faster in spring. By grazing on them, reindeer maintain thicker, brighter snow cover, which reflects sunlight and slows warming. Studies in northern Finland suggest that reindeer grazing also limits the accumulation of plant biomass, reducing the decomposition that releases carbon dioxide. This indicates that reindeer could help curb carbon emissions over time.

The Finnish-Norwegian border provides a striking visual of reindeer’s environmental impact. On the Norwegian side, where reindeer graze mainly in winter, the landscape is rich in lichen and largely free of shrubs. In contrast, the Finnish side, grazed year-round, shows more shrub growth, underscoring how grazing patterns shape vegetation and influence the local climate.

Reindeer are not just symbols of the Arctic but active participants in the fight against climate change. By controlling vegetation, enhancing the albedo effect, and supporting biodiversity, they slow warming and protect the fragile ecosystems of the north. Their role reminds us that solutions to climate challenges can often be found in nature, waiting to be recognised and supported.

This lesson extends far beyond the Arctic, illustrating the importance of interconnected systems in addressing climate challenges. It resonates with associations and membership bodies, which, like reindeer, have the power to shape their environments.

At Climate Action for Associations, we provide essential support, offering services like carbon footprint assessments, sustainability strategies, and member engagement tools, empowering associations to lead on climate action, align with global goals, and inspire their communities to contribute to a sustainable future.

By fostering collaboration and impactful change, associations can play their part in addressing climate challenges—just as reindeer do in their Arctic home.

Learn more about the work Climate Action for Associations does here.