

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

Jan 28, 2025 • 10min
A Message from the Norwegian Chairship of the Arctic Council
In this episode, Maria Varteressian, State Secretary at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, advocates for the irreplaceable role of the Arctic Council in promoting regional cooperation amid climate change and geopolitical tensions, emphasizing its function as the only forum representing the shared interests and concerns of Arctic communities.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

Jan 21, 2025 • 23min
NATO in the Arctic
In this episode, Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, responds to questions from participants at the Arctic Circle Assembly.The Q&A is moderated by Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of the Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland.This 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

Jan 14, 2025 • 46min
Indigenizing International Law
In this episode, we analyze and assess the effectiveness of current legal protection frameworks under international law in safeguarding the rights of Indigenous peoples and the security of Arctic communities, amidst climate change-driven security challenges and growing global interests in the region.Our panelists include: Pirita Näkkäläjärvi: President of the Sámi Parliament in FinlandKate Mackintosh: Executive Director of the UCLA Law Promise Institute EuropeThe discussion is moderated by Dalee Sambo Dorough, Senior Scholar & Special Adviser on Arctic Indigenous Peoples at the University of Alaska Anchorage.This panel 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

Jan 7, 2025 • 24min
The U.S. Department of Defense's 2024 Arctic Strategy
In this episode, Iris Ferguson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Arctic and Global Resilience, presents the U.S. Department of Defense’s 2024 Arctic Strategy, expanding on its core message of stability, common cause, and the importance of collective security in the Arctic.Following her remarks, Iris Ferguson is joined by Sharon Hudson-Dean, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, for a discussion and Q&A with the audience, moderated by Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland.This 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

Dec 31, 2024 • 15min
Should You Invest in the Arctic?
In this episode, we revisit one of our most impactful and thought-provoking discussions from past Assemblies and Forums. Enjoy this insightful throwback as we continue to explore the critical issues shaping the future of the Arctic and our planet. Let’s open the archive!Today, we hear from Tara Sweeney, Principal and CEO of Tack-71 Strategies, and Heiðar Guðjónsson, CEO of Ursus Investments, both former Chairs of the Arctic Economic Council, as they discuss investment opportunities in the Arctic.The discussion is moderated by Mads Qvist Frederiksen, Executive Director of the Arctic Economic Council.This panel originally took place at the 2021 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

Dec 24, 2024 • 43min
Inuit Strength and Peace - Pertujaassuseq Eqqisseqatigiinnerlu
Welcome to this special edition of the Arctic Circle Podcast! In this episode, we revisit one of our most impactful and thought-provoking discussions from past Assemblies and Forums. Enjoy this insightful throwback as we continue to explore the critical issues shaping the future of the Arctic and our planet. Let’s open the archive!Today, we listen to Indigenous leaders discuss the mandate of Inuit Circumpolar Council until 2026, and the importance of Indigenous participation in Arctic Governance. Our panelists include: Sara Olsvig: International Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar CouncilLisa Koperqualuk: President of ICC CanadaKuupik V. Kleist: former President of ICC GreenlandDalee Sambo Dorough: former International Chair of ICCDoreen Fogg-Leavitt: Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope, ICC Alaska Alternate Board MemberThe dialogue and following Q&A with the audience are moderated by Mininnguaq Kleist, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Statehood and Foreign Affairs, Greenland. This panel originally took place at the 2022 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

Dec 17, 2024 • 7min
Italy in the Arctic
In this episode, Marcella Panucci, Chief of Cabinet at Italy's Ministry of University and Research, addresses the Arctic community, highlighting Italy’s commitment to the polar regions in the fields of science and research.This speech was originally delivered at the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly. The Arctic Circle Rome Forum will take place in December 2025. Stay tuned!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

Dec 10, 2024 • 21min
The AMOC Shutdown 101: A Crash Course with Prof. Stefan Rahmstorf
In this episode, Stefan Rahmstorf, Professor of Physics of the Oceans at Potsdam University, breaks down the science behind the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), the main ocean current system in the Atlantic. He explains how global warming is causing the AMOC to slow, the impacts on the climate system, and the potential consequences of crossing its tipping point. Professor Rahmstorf ultimately emphasizes the urgent need for decisive climate action.The presentation begins with remarks from H.E. Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson, Iceland’s Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Climate, and is moderated by Hildigunnur Thorsteinsson, Director General of the Icelandic Meteorological Office.This panel 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

Dec 3, 2024 • 17min
The New Role of India in the Arctic and the Poles
In this episode, Rear Admiral TVN Prasanna, Joint Secretary of the National Security Council Secretariat of the Government of India, joins Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland, to discuss India’s connections with the Arctic and the Poles, and to respond to questions from the audience.This discussion originally took place at the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly. The Arctic Circle India Forum will take place in April 2025, in Delhi. Stay tuned!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

Nov 26, 2024 • 35min
The U.S. & the Arctic: A Conversation with Senator Lisa Murkowski and Ambassador Mike Sfraga
In this episode, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska reflects on the evolving role of the United States as an Arctic nation. She discusses key developments, including the appointment of Dr. Mike Sfraga as the first U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs, the expansion of Arctic infrastructure, and the importance of strengthening regional partnerships and alliances.Following her remarks, Senator Murkowski is joined by Ambassador Sfraga for a Q&A with the audience, moderated by Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland.This speech and 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