The Future Of The Arctic

Marking the United States’ 2015 role as Chair of the Arctic Council, this panel discussion and Q&A will consider the future of one of the planet’s last great frontiers. Our panellists will explore the political and environmental challenges and emerging opportunities arising from significant increases in Arctic activity as sea ice diminishes and a new Arctic environment emerges.

In the context of shifting geopolitics, the discussion will consider how international cooperation can be sustained to maintain a peaceful Arctic region and how the Arctic powers can work together on issues such as search and rescue and pollution prevention and response, while at the same time benefiting from new economic opportunities in the region, including energy resources and shipping routes. The panellists will also explore how rapid climate change is affecting Arctic ecosystems and the needs of indigenous communities in the region.

Panel chair, Professor Klaus Dodds (Royal Holloway) will be joined by distinguished policy-makers, diplomats and scientists, Alan Kessell (Deputy High Commissioner for Canada), Ed Heartney (Counsellor for the Environment, Science, Technology and Health issues at US Embassy London), Lord Teverson (Chair of the House of Lords Select Committee on the Arctic) and Dr Gabrielle Walker (scientist, author and broadcaster).