The Briefing Room Why we need to care about the Arctic
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Dec 26, 2024 
In this fascinating discussion, Jennifer Spence, Director at the Belfer Center, Heidi Sevestre, glaciologist, Heather Conley, senior advisor at the German Marshall Fund, and Pavel Devyatkin, senior associate at The Arctic Institute, delve into the dramatic shifts occurring in the Arctic. They cover the alarming effects of climate change on ice loss and global sea levels. The conversation also highlights potential economic opportunities arising from melting ice, strategic geopolitical tensions, and the urgent need for international cooperation in safeguarding this crucial region.
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Arctic Definition and States
- The Arctic is an ocean covered in ice, surrounded by eight Arctic states.
- These states include Canada, Denmark (via Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States.
Arctic Vastness and Population
- The Arctic is vast and sparsely populated, with small communities and large distances between them.
- Infrastructure and sustainability are key challenges, especially in the North American Arctic.
Sea Ice Importance
- The Arctic's sea ice acts as Earth's air conditioner, reflecting sunlight back into space.
- Losing this ice accelerates Arctic warming, impacting global climate systems.