

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

Feb 27, 2025 • 49min
Greenlanders at a Crossroads: Shaping Tomorrow
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’re listening to a panel discuss Greenland’s role and perspective in tackling the challenges ahead.The panelists included:Jacob S. Isbosethsen, Head of Representation in Beijing, Government of GreenlandMalik Peter Koch Hansen, Board Member of Nunanut Allanut Politikkeqarnermut Peqatigiiffik, The Greenland Foreign Policy SocietyQivioq Løvstøm, Assistant Professor, Ilisimatusarfik/University of Greenland; Chair, Human Rights Council of GreenlandUlrik Pram Gad, Senior Researcher, Danish Institute for International StudiesKlaus Georg Hansen, then Senior Analyst, Danish Institute for International StudiesThe panel was chaired by Minori Takahashi, Associate Professor, Hokkai-Gakuen University, Sapporo.This event originally took place at the 2023 Arctic Circle Japan Forum and was organized in association with the Government of Greenland, Representation in Beijing; and the Danish Institute for International Studies. 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

Feb 25, 2025 • 32min
Climate Change in the Arctic
In this episode, we reflect on the 20th anniversary of the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment. This landmark report, created through the collaboration of scientists, experts, and Indigenous representatives, remains to this day the most comprehensive, multidisciplinary analysis of climate change in the Arctic, examining its far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, communities, and the planet as a whole.Our panelists include:Ambassador David Balton: Executive Director of the Arctic Executive Steering Committee at the White House’s Office of Science & Technology Policy, and former Senior Fellow at the Wilson Center’s Polar Institute.Morten Høglund: Chair of the Senior Arctic Officials at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Herb Nakimayak: Vice President of the Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada, and Executive Council Member of the Inuit Circumpolar Council International.Petteri Taalas: Director General of the Finnish Meteorological Institute.Gunn-Britt Retter: Head of the Arctic and Environmental Unit at the Saami Council.The discussion is introduced by Mike Sfraga, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs and Former Chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, and moderated by Heidi Sevestre, Deputy Secretary at AMAP - the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme.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

Feb 21, 2025 • 20min
Greenland on the World Stage
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 H.E. Múte B. Egede, Prime Minister of Greenland, speaking of the role of Greenland on the world stage. The speech is followed by a Q&A from the audience, moderated by Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland. This event 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

Feb 18, 2025 • 50min
Greenland, the U.S. (and Canada): What’s the Deal?
You’re listening to the Arctic Circle podcast.In this episode, you are invited to join a dialogue about the emerging trade routes connecting Greenland, Canada, and the United States. Listen in as experts unpack the opportunities for economic growth and strengthening of North American ties, but also discuss the challenges at hand.The panelists include:Thomas 'Tyt' Mogensen, CEO of Nalik Ventures, GreenlandKarl Inuk Faurschou, Advisor, Ministry of Independence and Foreign Affairs, Greenlandic Representation in ReykjavíkMark Hopkins, COO of Hancock Lumber, USANiels Clemensen, CEO of Royal Arctic Line, GreenlandThis dialogue was hosted by the Maine International Trade Center and took place 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

Feb 11, 2025 • 7min
Iceland, A Land of Solutions
In this episode, H.E. Halla Tómasdóttir, President of Iceland, addresses the Arctic and global community, calling for bold and urgent action to tackle environmental disruptions, inequality, discrimination, misinformation, and rising conflicts. She underscores Iceland's commitment to becoming a hub of solutions for solving the world’s most pressing challenges.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

Feb 4, 2025 • 29min
China’s Climate Vision for the Arctic
In this episode, H.E. Liu Zhenmin, Special Envoy for Climate Change of the People’s Republic of China, outlines China’s priorities in Arctic climate governance. He highlights the importance of scientific research, clean energy and transport development, and the strengthening of economic and scientific cooperation.The address 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 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

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


