The Arctic Circle Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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