The Foreign Desk How the Arctic is hotting up
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Nov 15, 2025 Sebastian Copeland, an award-winning photographer and polar explorer, shares stunning insights on the Arctic's changing landscape and its cultural impacts on indigenous communities due to climate change. Rasmus Sinding-Sondergaard discusses Denmark's historical role in Arctic security and the complexity of US interest in Greenland. Jessica Larson highlights maritime threats like shadow fleets and the need for European cooperation. Lastly, Iro Saka emphasizes the shift in NATO's focus toward Arctic militarization amidst rising tensions, especially with Russia and China's growing influence.
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Arctic Feel Of Another Planet
- Sebastian Copeland describes the Arctic as a world akin to another planet, shaped over billions of years and hostile to human life.
- He recounts observing non-linear, perceptible changes like earlier melt cycles and shifting seasons over recent decades.
Shifting Seasons Reshape Local Life
- The seasonal melt is lengthening and the freeze season shortening, directly impacting local livelihoods and culture.
- Changes in sea ice timing shift biomass and hunting patterns, forcing rapid adaptation by Arctic communities.
Local Adaptation With Western Tools
- Sebastian Copeland notes that many Arctic residents adapt by adopting Western tools like motorized skiffs, changing traditional practices.
- He reports they often view changes pragmatically as opportunities rather than purely threats to tradition.
