The Arctic Council is the leading intergovernmental forum that promotes cooperation in the Circumpolar North. A dynamic region, the Arctic experiences both the opportunities and difficulties associated with climate change. We seek to evaluate the shortcomings and successes of Arctic policy and produce a renewed vision for the Arctic Council.
ISSUE DESCRIPTION
Holistic evaluation of the Arctic Council’s performance in the past two decades:
- Section one focuses on the effects of climate change in the Arctic. We analyze problems relating to resource extraction, pollution, and climate-induced relocation.
- Section two discusses the capacity building of Indigenous peoples. Food security, education, and mental wellness will be addressed.
- Section three covers the economic and legal policies of the Arctic, with a focus on maritime traffic and economic development.
- Section four addresses issues relating to Arctic security and cooperation, including geopolitics and search & rescue policies.
- Section five discusses potential reformation of the Arctic Council.
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
- ENSURE SUFFICIENT FUNDING to increase indigenous participation capacity within the Arctic Council.
- INCLUDE REGIONAL GOVERNMENTS as part of the Arctic Council to bridge the gap between differing perceptions on various topics regarding Arctic policy.
- PROMOTE REGULAR COMMUNICATION between Member States, Permanent Participants, and among working groups to encourage increased coordination in management and find common priorities of Arctic issues.
- CREATE A TRACKING SYSTEM that is efficient and effective to check on the progress of projects and research assigned to working groups and task forces as a mean of enforcement mechanism.
