

The Arctic Circle Podcast
Arctic Circle
The Arctic Circle Podcast brings together voices from the growing international community dedicated to the future of the Arctic and our planet. This podcast showcases a collection of inspiring and informative speeches, sessions, and dialogues from heads of state, government officials, ministers, parliamentarians, experts, scientists, entrepreneurs, business leaders, indigenous representatives, environmentalists, students, activists, and other Arctic enthusiasts.Explore topics such as climate change, geopolitics, indigenous affairs, business, energy, shipping, ocean health, and societal issues.Topics include Climate change, Geopolitics, Indigenous Affairs, Business, Energy, Shipping, Oceans and Societal Issues.Don't miss out—tune in every Thursday for the latest episode of The Arctic Circle Podcast!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 5, 2025 • 39min
The New Emirates Polar Program
In this episode, we take a closer look at the United Arab Emirates’ new polar program.As global interest in the Arctic continues to grow, countries beyond the region, including those in the Middle East and South Asia, are stepping up investments in polar science, climate research, and international cooperation.To explore this emerging landscape, the conversation brought together:Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, United Arab EmiratesJan-Gunnar Winther, Pro-rector for Research and Development, UiT The Arctic University of NorwayThamban Meloth, Director, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), IndiaWassim Said, Advisor to the UAE Presidential Court and member of the Emirates Polar Program Steering CommitteeModerating the Session was Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Chair of the Arctic Circle Polar Dialogue and former Prime Minister of Iceland.This conversation was recorded live at the Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025, and is part of the Polar Dialogue.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org

Jul 29, 2025 • 55min
The Future of the Arctic (Part-2)
In this episode, we continue our look at the changing Arctic, this time from the perspectives of Arctic and European states.The region is undergoing rapid transformation. While this brings challenges for Arctic communities, it also raises broader questions: about international cooperation, environmental responsibility, and the Arctic’s growing geopolitical and scientific importance.As large parts of the Arctic Ocean open, the region is emerging as a new frontier: economically, scientifically, and politically. So, what does the future of the Arctic look like?This conversation brought together:Petteri Vuorimäki: Arctic Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of FinlandPiotr Rychlik: Ambassador for Arctic and Antarctic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of PolandAgostino Pinna: Special Envoy for the Arctic, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of ItalyModerating the Session was Samir Saran, President of the Observer Research Foundation.This conversation was recorded live at the Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025, and is part of the Polar Dialogue.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org

Jul 22, 2025 • 51min
The Future of the Arctic (Part-1)
In this episode, we look at the Arctic from the perspective of Asia. As the Arctic changes, it’s becoming a space of global concern, not only for the Arctic states, but also for countries around the world.The region is emerging as a new frontier: economically, scientifically, and politically. And with that, new questions are arising around how Arctic and non-Arctic states can work together.So, what does the future of the Arctic look like? This conversation brings together voices from across Asia:Byung-ha Chung, Ambassador for Polar Affairs, Republic of KoreaSam Tan Chin Siong, Special Envoy for Arctic Affairs, SingaporeRear Admiral TVN Prasanna, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Government of IndiaModerating the Session was Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland.This conversation was recorded live at the Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025, and is part of the Polar Dialogue.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org

Jul 15, 2025 • 54min
Arctic Biodiversity
In this episode, we turn to Arctic biodiversity and planetary health. How have plants, animals, and people adapted to life in the North? And what can those adaptations teach us about resilience in a rapidly changing world?This conversation brings together diverse perspectives: from human physiology and hydrology to ecology and Indigenous health research. You will learn about the plasticity of biological systems and the critical role the Arctic plays in understanding both environmental changes and global health.This conversation was recorded live at the Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025, and is part of the Polar Dialogue.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org

Jul 8, 2025 • 17min
Greenland's Green Energy Opportunities
In this episode, H.E. Kalistat Lund, then Greenland’s Minister of Agriculture, Self-Sufficiency, Energy, and Environment, discusses opportunities for green energy development in Greenland.This conversation was recorded live at the 2024 Arctic Circle Business Forum, and is part of our new Spotlight series.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org

Jul 1, 2025 • 55min
The $1 Trillion Arctic Question
Should we invest in one of the world’s most remote and resource-rich regions?The Arctic has the potential to feed the world with healthy, nutritious seafood, provide the raw materials essential to the sustainable transition, and power societies with both conventional and renewable energy. But unlocking that potential requires closing a massive infrastructure gap. From roads and ports to energy facilities and digital connectivity, more than $1 trillion is estimated to be needed to fully develop the region. Done right, this could create quality jobs, boost local economies, and strengthen Arctic communities.In this panel discussion, we ask: is it worth it?At the table are:Heidar Gudjonsson, CEO of Ursus InvestmentsConstance Chalchat, Chief Sustainability Officer, BNP Paribas CIB & Global MarketsMikki Jensen, Director of South Innovation GreenlandThis session is moderated by Mads Qvist Frederiksen, Executive Director of the Arctic Economic Council, and was recorded live at the 2024 Arctic Circle Business Forum.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org

Jun 24, 2025 • 57min
An Arctic Transformed: Potentials and Politics
In this episode, we look at the Arctic as a region in transformation - one that’s evolving due to shifting geopolitics, changing economies, and the growing impact of climate change. A panel of distinguished guests shares their insights on how the strategic imaginary of the Arctic is changing and what new possibilities and political realities are emerging as the world’s attention turns more toward this region.Joining us today are:Sanjay Chaturvedi, Director of the Institute of South Asian Studies; and Dean of the Faculty of International Studies at the South Asian UniversityMay-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to IndiaPankaj Saran, Convenor at NatStratStuti Banerjee, Senior Fellow at the Indian Council of World AffairsTorsten Kjølby Nielsen, Senior Arctic Official of the Kingdom of DenmarkHarsh V. Pant, Vice President of the Observer Research Foundation, and moderator of this panel.This conversation was recorded live at the Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025, and is part of the Polar Dialogue.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org

Jun 17, 2025 • 29min
The Indian Parliament’s Vision for Ice-Covered Regions
In this episode, Milind Deora and Anurag Thakur, Members of the Parliament of India, join H.E. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland, to share their vision for the ice-covered regions of our planet.This conversation was recorded live at the Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025, and is part of the Polar Dialogue.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org

Jun 10, 2025 • 57min
Science Diplomacy in the Age of Division
In this episode, we reflect on how science diplomacy can bridge divides and build trust across regions. Today’s crises, characterized by rising conflicts, climate change, mass displacement, and growing science denial, are deeply interconnected, with ripple effects felt across the globe, from the Arctic to the Himalaya–Third Pole. In this age of division, collaboration across borders and disciplines is more important than ever.Joining us for this conversation are:M Ravichandran, Secretary at the Ministry of Earth Sciences of IndiaJean Lemire, Envoy for Climate Change and Northern and Arctic Affairs of the Government of QuébecJan-Gunnar Winther, Pro-rector for Research and Development at UiT The Arctic University of NorwayPema Gyamtsho, Director General of ICIMOD - International Centre for Integrated Mountain DevelopmentH.E. Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Chair of the Arctic Circle Polar Dialogue, former Prime Minister of Iceland, and moderator of this panel.This conversation was recorded live at the Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025, and is part of the Polar Dialogue.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org

Jun 3, 2025 • 45min
A Conversation with the Minister of External Affairs of India
In this episode, H.E. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India, joins Samir Saran, President of the Observer Research Foundation, and H.E. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland, to discuss India’s engagement in the Arctic.This conversation was recorded live at the Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025, and is part of the Polar Dialogue Series.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org