The Arctic Circle Podcast

In this episode, Kenneth Høegh, Chair of the Senior Arctic Officials and Arctic Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark, presents the priorities and mission of the Kingdom of Denmark's chairship of the Arctic Council 2025–2027. He’s joined by Torsten Kjølby Nielsen, Senior Arctic Official of the Kingdom of Denmark, for a Q&A with the audience.This conversation was recorded live at the Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025.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

In this episode, we take you to the opening session of the Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025.Kicking off the event were H.E. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland, and Samir Saran, President of the Observer Research Foundation.The Forum was co-hosted by Arctic Circle and the Observer Research Foundation, in collaboration with India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Earth Sciences.The India Forum underscored the growing importance of the Arctic beyond its immediate region, and how developments across Asia are shaping global politics, trade, and sustainability, including in the Arctic.Let’s roll the tape.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

In this episode, we explore how small, low-impact research platforms are changing the way science is conducted in the polar regions. As research activity in the Arctic grows, so does the need to reduce its environmental footprint—while increasing the value it brings to both the natural world and the communities who call it home.We’ll hear why collaboration between scientists and infrastructure experts is essential, and how smart design, efficient logistics, and shared values are making polar research more effective, sustainable, and respectful. From practical field strategies to rethinking the way research stations are built, this conversation highlights how teamwork and innovation are shaping the future of science in fragile environments..Joining us are:Patrick Aebischer: Founder of the Forel Heritage AssociationCornelius Eich: Head of Partnership & Sustainability at Boris Herrmann Team MaliziaArved Fuchs: Expedition Leader at OCEAN CHANGEMorten Rasch: Polar Scientist at Activ ExpeditionsRomain Troublé: CEO of the Tara Ocean FoundationDanièle Rod: Executive Director of the Swiss Polar InstituteThe conversation is moderated by Antje Boetius, then-Director of the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, and Co-Chair of the Polar Dialogue.This panel was recorded live at the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly, as 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

In this episode, we assess the status of the global energy transition needed to address climate change and its impacts on ecosystems and societies.Joining the discussion are:H.E. Liu Zhenmin, Special Envoy for Climate Change of the People’s Republic of ChinaOran Young, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Santa BarbaraSanna Kopra, Research Professor at the Arctic Centre, University of LaplandYang Jian, Vice President & Senior Research Fellow at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS)H.E. Adnan Amin, CEO of COP 28 and Director General Emeritus of IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency)The conversation and Q&A with the audience are moderated by H.E. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland.This panel discussion originally took place at the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly.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

Hon. Sasakawa Yōhei emphasizes the urgent need for collective action to protect the world's oceans, particularly in the Arctic. He highlights the critical challenges posed by ocean degradation and advocates for sustainable practices. The call for unity resonates across nations and communities, urging everyone to collaborate for a healthier marine environment and a prosperous future for all. This powerful message at the Arctic Circle Assembly stresses the importance of democratic dialogue and cooperation in addressing global oceanic issues.

In this episode, Hon. Sim Ann, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, returns to the Arctic Circle Assembly to discuss Singapore’s shared future with the Arctic in the face of melting ice and rising sea levels.This speech was originally delivered at the 2024 Arctic Circle AssemblyArctic 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

You’re listening to the Arctic Circle Podcast.In today’s episode, we’re diving into how ocean data and analysis are enabling technologies that can support better decision-making across the Arctic - socially, environmentally, and economically.We’ll explore the ocean data value chain, and take a look at both established and emerging use cases, from aquaculture and commercial operations to government and defense. We’ll also talk about how ocean and climate data are being used in dynamic risk management, and how they’re helping drive innovation in insurance.Joining us today are:Blaine Grimes, Chief Ventures Officer at Gulf of Maine Ventures, Gulf of Maine Research InstituteÓlavur Gregersen, CEO of Ocean RainforestSteve Woll, COO and Head of Business Development at Ocean Data NetworkDan Bookham, Senior Vice President for Business Development and Commercial Lines at Allen Insurance & FinancialThe conversation and the audience Q&A are moderated by Dan Berger, Director of the Maine North Atlantic Development Office at the Maine International Trade Center.This panel was organized by the Maine International Trade Center and NORA – North Atlantic Cooperation, and it 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

In this episode, MP Stephen Doughty, the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Europe, North America, and Overseas Territories, responsible for relations with the Polar regions, reflects on the UK’s engagement in the Arctic amid rising global challenges.The discussion is followed by a Q&A with the audience, moderated by Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland.This speech was originally delivered at the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly.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

In this episode, we invite you to engage in the Polar Dialogue, a new initiative within the Arctic Circle framework aimed at fostering constructive discussions on the Arctic, Antarctic, the Himalaya - Third Pole region, and other ice-covered areas, with a focus on scientific and research cooperation.Our panelists include:H.E. Pascal Lamy: Vice President of the Paris Peace Forum and former Director-General of the World Trade OrganizationHenry Burgess: Head of the NERC Arctic Office (UK) and President of the International Arctic Science CommitteeJefferson Cardia Simões: Professor of Glaciology & Polar Geography at the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), BrazilPema Gyamtsho: Director General of the ICIMODMiyuki Qiajunnguaq Daorana: Youth Delegate from Greenland and Master’s student in Anthropological-Inughuit studies at UiT-The Arctic University of NorwayThe discussion and following Q&A with the audience are moderated by Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Chair of the Polar Dialogue and former Prime Minister of Iceland, along with Antje Boetius, Co-Chair of the Polar Dialogue and Director of the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research in Germany.This panel originally took place at the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly as part of the inaugural 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

In this episode, H.E. Kadri Simson, EU Commissioner for Energy, outlines the European Union’s commitment to a fair and green transition in the Arctic. She emphasizes the role of renewable energy in advancing energy independence and economic competitiveness, while reaffirming the EU’s dedication to supporting sustainable development in the region, as outlined in the 2021 Arctic Strategy.The following Q&A with the audience is moderated by Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland.This speech was originally delivered at the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly. 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