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Rare Earth

Arctic Goldrush

Feb 28, 2025
Eleanor Barraclough, historian and author, shares insights on the Viking Age's adaptation to Arctic climate changes. Duncan Depledge discusses the geopolitical race for Arctic resources, highlighting interests from the US, Russia, and China. Elder Olufsen, CEO of a mining company in Greenland, weighs in on balancing exploitation with indigenous rights. The discussion intertwines past Norse settlements with today's challenges, stressing the urgency of understanding the effects of climate change on both history and modern geopolitics.
53:18

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Arctic is warming nearly three times faster than the global average, significantly impacting local ecosystems and Indigenous communities facing rapid environmental changes.
  • Historical narratives like that of the Vikings serve as crucial lessons on adaptation and resource scarcity, informing contemporary geopolitical interests in the Arctic region.

Deep dives

Climate Change and the Arctic

The Arctic region has experienced significant warming, nearly three times faster than the global average since 1979. This accelerated change is not only diminishing sea ice but also impacting the local ecosystems and human communities that rely on these environments. Indigenous peoples, such as the Inuvialuit, report dramatic alterations in coastline due to erosion linked to climate shifts, highlighting the urgent need for broader awareness of the implications these changes carry beyond the Arctic itself. Ultimately, what happens in the Arctic is intricately tied to the overall health of the planet's climate, making it a critical area for scientific observation and policy consideration.

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