Arctic Council Character Descriptions
1. Canada: Alison LeClaire
Alison LeClaire is the Senior Arctic Official for Canada for the Arctic Council. 40% of Canada
is in the North. The main issues Canada seeks to address are climate change, renewing relations
with Indigenous Peoples, management of the Arctic Ocean, and supporting sustainable
development using research. In recent years, Canada has been supportive of clean and
sustainable practices in the Arctic with respect to the people and biodiversity there. Canada has
2020 Biodiversity goals set in place. In general, Canada has been trying to transition to clean
energies; Ontario has already closed its last coal plant. Canada has banned offshore oil and gas
licensing in the Arctic, but it has a hefty internal source of oil from the tar sands in Alberta.
Within the next decade, Canada will launch a new polar icebreaker. This will be the largest and
most powerful icebreaker ever in the Canadian Coast Guard fleet. Canada will seek to resolve
boundary issues in the Arctic region, in accordance with international law. Our sovereignty over
Canadian Arctic lands, including islands, is undisputed—with the single exception of Hans
Island, a 1.3-square-kilometre Canadian island which Denmark claims. With regard to Arctic
waters, Canada controls all maritime navigation in its waters. Nevertheless, disagreements exist
between the United States and Canada regarding the maritime boundary in the Beaufort Sea
(approximately 6,250 square nautical miles) and between Canada and Denmark over a small part
of the maritime boundary in the Lincoln Sea.
See more: http://www.international.gc.ca/arctic-arctique/arctic_policy-canadapolitique_arctique.aspx?lang=eng
2. Kingdom of Denmark: Hanne Fugl Eskjær
Hanne Fugl Eskjær is the Senior Arctic Official of Denmark for the Arctic Council. The
Kingdom of Denmark made up of Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands is located in the
Arctic. They collectively hold a responsibility for the Arctic as the Arctic is an important part of
the kingdom’s heritage. The Kingdom of Denmark hopes to manage the Arctic peacefully with
close cooperation alongside their international partners with emphasis on the UN’s Convention
on the Law of the Sea, having high standards for the exploitation of energy and mineral
resources, and an emphasis on protecting the environment and biodiversity. The Ministry of
Science, Innovation and Higher Education, in The Kingdom of Denmark, established a Polar
Secretariat to create a broader overview of research in the Arctic. The Kingdom of Denmark has
also encouraged the implementation of preventive safety measures for cruise ships that sail with
many passengers, and often with limited local knowledge.
See more here: http://www.arctic-council.org/index.php/en/our-work2/8-news-and-events/60denmarks-arctic-strategy
3. Finland:Aleksi Härkönen
Aleksi Härkönen is the Senior Arctic Official of Finland for the Arctic Council. Finland has a ton
of experience in multilateral arctic cooperation, such as the Nordic countries' North Calotte
cooperation, which dates back to the 1960s and which had contributed to the establishment, in
1993, of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council. Through the Northern Dimension initiative Finland
has strengthened the EU's involvement in the European north, including Arctic areas. Finland has
a great deal to offer to arctic cooperation in terms of arctic-related expertise. Finland has several
biological research stations in Lapland, where Arctic ecology is being studied. The Arctic
Centre, a separate institute affiliated to the University of Lapland in Rovaniemi, carries out
interdisciplinary research on the effects of global changes and on the consequences resulting
from the fact that man has disturbed the natural balance of arctic nature and arctic societies. The
University of Oulu is a center for arctic medical sciences. Arctic-related issues can be found also
in the teaching and research programs of many other institutions of higher education in Finland.
Finnish industry has expertise and modern technology in such fields as Arctic construction,
Arctic environmental technology and the development of Arctic infrastructure as well as Arctic
transportation and navigation in ice-covered waters. In 1989, Finland took the initiative in
commencing organized cooperation among the eight arctic countries for the protection of the
arctic environment. This initiative led to the Ministerial Conference in Rovaniemi in 1991. The
conference was historic. It was the first ministerial meeting of the Arctic countries and it started
a continuous collaboration that was called the "Rovaniemi Process".
For more information see this website: http://www.arctic-council.org/index.php/en/aboutus/member-states/finland
4. Iceland: Arni Thor Sigurdsson
Arni Thor Sigurdsson is the Senior Arctic Official of Iceland for the Arctic Council. Iceland’s
views the Arctic region to include the North Pole area and parts of the Northern Atlantic Ocean,
and should be viewed as an extensive area. Iceland supports the rights of Arctic indigenous
people and organization, and their direct involvement in decisions on regional issues. Iceland
will contribute to the preservation of the unique culture and way of life of indigenous peoples
which has developed in the Arctic region. They will use all available means to prevent humaninduced climate change and its effects in order to improve the wellbeing of Arctic residents and
their communities. Iceland plans to contribute to sustainable utilization of resources and observe
responsible handling of the fragile ecosystem and the conservation of biota. They are committed
to advancing Icelanders' knowledge of Arctic issues. The northern part of the Icelandic Exclusive
Economic Zone falls within the Arctic and extends to the Greenland Sea adjoining the Arctic
Ocean, Iceland has both territory and rights to sea areas north of the Arctic Circle. They want to
strengthen and increase cooperation of promoting shared interests with the Faroe Islands
(Denmark) and Greenland because these countries have a lot in common and do not only share
waters, but also share the same history, political structure and have a somewhat same position in
the international arena, where they are considered small players.
Visit this website for more information: https://www.mfa.is/media/nordurlandaskrifstofa/AParliamentary-Resolution-on-ICE-Arctic-Policy-approved-by-Althingi.pdf
5. Norway: Anniken Ramberg Krutnes
Anniken Ramberg Krutnes is the Senior Arctic Official of Norway for the Arctic Council. As a
responsible coastal state, Norway strives to address the challenges and make use of the
opportunities in a safe and environmentally sound way. We will work to maintain the Arctic as a
peaceful region of cooperation and sustainable resource management. Tromsø is the largest city
in North Norway and is commonly referred to as the “Gateway to the Arctic.” Norway’s view is
that existing international law provides a predictable framework for handling present and
foreseeable challenges in the Arctic. The Law of the Sea forms the legal basis for all activities in
the Arctic Ocean. The Arctic Council needs to make more decisions of a more binding nature, as
appropriate. It also needs to further broaden its discussions by including relevant observers.
Norway’s maritime areas in the Arctic come to approximately the combined area of France,
Germany and Spain. Due to the warming effect of the Gulf Stream, North Norway is much more
hospitable than other parts of the world at this latitude. Traditionally, the inhabitants of North
Norway subsisted on fishing and livestock husbandry. While these industries remain important,
today’s economy is more diversified. Fish farming has a link to the past but also shows
promising potential for providing food for a growing world population. In Hammerfest, Statoil
operates a processing plant for liquefied natural gas from the Snøhvit field in the Barents Sea.
Further south, Narvik is an important port for the export of iron ore from Swedish mines. The
Arctic region also attracts a growing number of tourists who come to experience dramatic
scenery and largely untouched wilderness.
See this website for more information: http://www.arctic-council.org/index.php/en/aboutus/member-states/norway
6. Russian Federation: Vladimir Barbin
Vladimir Barbin is the Senior Arctic Official of the Russian Federation for the Arctic Council.
There is a significant amount of territory in the Arctic belonging to Russia. Russia’s interests are
to use the Arctic zone as a strategic resource base of the Russian Federation that will provide
solutions to the task of socio-economic development of the country, utilize the Arctic as an area
of peace and cooperation, conserve the unique ecosystems of the Arctic, and use the Northern
Sea Route as a national unified transportation line of the Russian Federation in the Arctic. Russia
also strives to progress development by improving quality of life for Indigenous people, develop
of science and technology, create information and telecommunication infrastructure, address
environmental safety and international cooperation in the Arctic. Russia would like to
collaborate on a regional system for search and rescue, as well as at prevention of man-induced
disasters and elimination of their consequences, and to promote the efficient use of the Northern
Sea Route for international shipping under the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation. Russia has
also been conducting military exercises in the Arctic and some of them have been threatening to
NATO and countries touching the Arctic circle. Several bases are either being built or have been
established. Some of Russia’s biggest investments are in infrastructure surrounding the
Novatek’s plant for construction of modules for Arctic gas installations. Russia is also planning
upgrades to the highway from Murmansk to Norway.
https://thebarentsobserver.com/en/industry/2016/03/these-are-russias-top-arctic-investments
7. Sweden: Andres Jato
Andres Jato is the Senior Arctic Official of Sweden for the Arctic Council. As an Arctic country,
Sweden has stakes in the region. As a member of the EU, Sweden also seeks to work with allies
Finland and Denmark in their Arctic strategy. Swedish climate-related research in the Arctic has
a long tradition and its findings are constantly helping to increase understanding of ongoing
processes. As a result of long measurement series, in some cases up to one hundred years,
Sweden has contributed to greater global understanding of climate change. Sweden supports a
policy of moving from science and thought to concrete actions. It is important to continuously
analyze levels of both known and new hazardous substances in the sensitive Arctic area. Sweden
promotes economically, socially and environmentally sustainable development throughout the
Arctic region. Sweden also works to ensure that the Arctic remains a region where security
policy tensions are low, and for these objectives sees a need of a strengthened Arctic Council.
Efficient ice-breaking operations are required to promote maritime safety and improve
accessibility in frozen waters. Sweden possesses leading expertise as regards shipping in Arctic
conditions. Swedish ice-breakers are able to support increasing commercial shipping in the
Arctic as well as help with both the monitoring of the vulnerable marine environment and Arctic
research. The Swedish Maritime Administration’s icebreaking resources are well suited to Arctic
and sub-Arctic waters at times when the vessels are not needed in regular activities.
See this website for more information: http://www.arctic-council.org/index.php/en/aboutus/member-states/sweden
8. USA: Julia L. Gourley
Julia L. Gourley is the Senior Arctic Official of the USA for the Arctic Council. Upon the
purchase of Alaska in 1867 The United States officially became an Arctic nation. Due to their
official status as an Arctic Nation the US has interests in the Arctic including, national and
homeland security, protection of the environment, cooperating with other Arctic nations,
involving indigenous groups in decisions, and promoting research in the area. Large commercial
fisheries exist in the Arctic. The United States is currently meeting with other countries
regarding the management of Arctic fish stocks. Changes in the Arctic could affect threatened
and endangered species. Two of the Coast Guard’s three polar icebreakers—Polar Star and Polar
Sea—have exceeded their intended 30-year service lives, and Polar Sea is not operational. The
Coast Guard has initiated a project to build at least one, and possibly as many as three, new
heavy polar icebreakers. On May 12, 2011, representatives from the member states of the Arctic
Council signed an agreement on cooperation on search and rescue in the Arctic. The Arctic
Circle definition includes the northernmost third or so of Alaska, as well as the Chukchi Sea,
which separates that part of Alaska from Russia, and U.S. territorial and Exclusive Economic
Zone (EEZ) waters north of Alaska. The United States has varied and compelling interests in the
Arctic such as national and homeland security, environmental protection, sustainable
development, promoting cooperation and collaboration with the other seven Arctic nations,
involving indigenous Alaskans in decisions that affect them, and supporting and promoting
scientific research across the region.
For more information see: https://www.state.gov/e/oes/ocns/opa/arc/index.htm
9. Japan: Fumio Kishida
Fumio Kishida is the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Japan. Japan’s Arctic policy rests on a
foundation of science and technology, which is an indispensable tool for designing effective
solutions to global challenges. Through its Arctic policy, the Japanese government has declared
its intention to address the negative impacts of environmental change by leveraging its strengths
to enhance cross-border scientific and technological cooperation (i.e., science and technology
diplomacy) and to incorporate the outcomes into design and implementation of national policy
and international rule making. As a nation that derives significant benefits from the ocean while
simultaneously influencing climate change in the Arctic, and as an Arctic Council (AC)
Observer, it is Japan’s responsibility to play an active role in Arctic issues. In addition to
expanding the scope of collaboration with international partners, Japan opened a research base in
Ny-Ålesund, Norway, in 1991 and the following year became the first non-Arctic member to join
the International Arctic Science Committee
10. China: Li Keqiang
Li Keqiang is the Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. Keqiang has
strong background in economics. China now clearly identifies itself as a “near-Arctic State” and
a major stakeholder in the Arctic. China believes that the changing environment and resources of
the Arctic have a direct impact on China’s climate, environment, agriculture, shipping, and trade
as well as its social and economic development. China also has the political will to contribute to
shaping Arctic governance. For years, China has been an active player in Arctic scientific
research and cooperation. It joined the International Arctic Science Committee in 1996. The
Chinese icebreaker Snow Dragon has taken foreign experts on quite a number of Arctic
expeditions. Chinese experts have also been active in the research projects of several working
groups under the Arctic Council. At present, China's activities in the Arctic mainly focus on
scientific research. environmental protection has always been high on the agenda of China's
work related to the Arctic. In the area of shipping, China has been involved in formulating the
Polar Code by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in a constructive manner. Chinese
merchant ships are exploring the possibility of taking the Arctic sea routes. China pays close
attention to the potential major impact of those sea routes on global shipping and trade, and is
ready to participate in the relevant work in a cooperative and practical manner. The territorial
sovereignty over the Arctic continent and islands belong to the Arctic states. They enjoy
territorial seas, exclusive economic zones and continental shelves in the Arctic. The indigenous
people account for one fifth of the Arctic population and have unique cultural traditions and
lifestyles. Countries have the obligation to respect and uphold the sovereignty, sovereign rights
and jurisdiction of the Arctic countries, respect the traditions and culture of the Arctic indigenous
people, and protect the natural environment and resources they live on. The Arctic seas include
high seas and international sea-bed areas. Non-Arctic countries have the rights to conduct
scientific research, navigation and exploration in the Arctic region under international law, and
these rights should be respected and upheld. The international community must work together to
protect and utilize the Arctic, and in particular to address such global issues as climate change,
ecology, environmental protection and shipping.
11. Germany: Dr. Hans-Dieter Lucas
Dr. Hans-Dieter is currently serving as Germany’s NATO Representative. Hans-Dieter will be
representing the interests of Germany as it pertains to their Arctic policy and should work closely
with the delegate representing NATO. Germany sees the great potential for the economies of
Germany and Europe that Arctic resources hold. At the same time, major ecological challenges
must be met by enforcing the highest environmental standards when developing these resources.
Germany is pressing for the establishment of protected areas to maintain Arctic biodiversity. It is
ready to embark on maritime sector cooperation (e.g. in the area of polar technology) with
countries bordering the Arctic Ocean. Germany also is campaigning for freedom of navigation in
the Arctic Ocean (Northeast, Northwest and Transpolar Passages) in accordance with high safety
and environmental standards. They are working to guarantee the freedom of Arctic research,
based on the conviction that scientific findings are of fundamental importance for Arctic policy.
See more here: http://www.bmel.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/EN/International/LeitlinienArktispolitik.pdf?__blob=publicationFile
12. Aleut International Association (AIA): Arlene Gundersen
Arlene Gundersen serves as a member of the Arctic Economic Council. She is a member of the
Pauloff Harbor Tribe and lives in Alaska. She is also a committee member on the Bering Sea
Sub-Network, which works between Alaska and Russia to protect the Bearing waters. The AIA’s
goal is to address environmental and cultural concerns that the Aleut’s hold. They have a great
concern for the Bering sea, as they depend on it for many of their resources. They are
particularly concerned with understanding global processes like transboundary contaminant
transport, climate changes impacts, and how commercial fisheries impact the Bering Sea. AIA
was admitted as a permanent participant of the Arctic Council in 1998 and was granted Special
Consultative Status by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations in 2004.
See more here: http://www.arctic-council.org/index.php/en/about-us/permanent-participants/aia
13. Arctic Athabaskan Council (AAC): Chief Bill Erasmus
Chief Bill Erasmus is the International Chair of the Arctic Athabaskan Council. The Athabaskan
peoples, residing in Arctic and sub-Arctic Alaska, U.S.A., and the Yukon Territory and
Northwest Territories of Canada have traditionally occupied a vast geographic area of
approximately 3 million square kilometers. This vast region has been continuously occupied by
Athabaskan peoples for at least 10,000 years. It includes the world’s largest non-polar icefield
(St. Elias Mountains). In this region, the staples of the Athabaskan way of life include hunting
caribou, moose, beaver, rabbits and fish. Athabaskan peoples today continue to enjoy their
traditional practices and diet. The Athabaskan people hold great interest in maintaining their
Arctic home.
See more here: http://www.arctic-council.org/index.php/en/about-us/permanent-participants/aac
14. Gwich'in Council International (GCI): Joe Linklater
Joe Linklater is the Chairperson for Gwich’in Council International. This body exists ensure all
regions of the Gwich'in Nation in the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Alaska are represented at
the Arctic Council, as well as to play an active and significant role in the development of policies
that relate to the Circumpolar Arctic. The GCI mainly focuses on the protection of the
environment, raising and educating their youth, continuing culture and traditions, as well as
socioeconomic development. Climate change is affecting the food chain in the entirety. The
purpose of studying climate change within the GCI is to understand what is happening to their
land and how it will change their future. They are in the process of learning how to work and
cope with their changing lifestyle, while finding ways to better preserve their natural lands that
will make a lasting impact.
See more here: https://www.gwichin.org/reports.html
15. Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC): Okalik Eegeesiak
Okalik Eegeesiak is the Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council and holds a general assembly
every four years for delegates to discuss and develop policies and resolutions. The Inuit
Circumpolar Council (ICC) represents approximately 160,000 Inuit in Alaska/United States,
Canada, Greenland/Denmark and Chukotka/Russia. The principle goals of ICC are, too
strengthen unity among Inuit of the circumpolar region; promote Inuit rights and interests on an
international level; develop and encourage long-term policies that safeguard the Arctic
environment; and seek full and active partnership in the political, economic, and social
development of circumpolar regions.
See more here: http://www.inuitcircumpolar.com
16. Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North (RAIPON): Grigory Le
Grigory Ledkov serves as the Head of the Permanent Delegation of the State Duma to the Nordic
Council and is the President of the Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North. Mr.
Ledkov is also the Head of the Permanent Delegation of the State Duma to the Nordic Council.
The purpose of RAIPON is to protect indigenous peoples’ human rights, defend their legal
interests, assist in solving environmental, social, economic, cultural and educational issues, and
to promote their right to self governance. RAIPON works with the State Duma and the
Government of the Russian Federation regarding legislation related to indigenous peoples’ issues
as it pertains to industry.
See more here: http://www.uarctic.org/member-profiles/russia/8638/raipon
17. Saami Council: Áile Jávo
Áile Jávo is the president of the Saami Council. The primary aim of the Saami Council is the
promotion of Saami rights and interests in the four countries where the Saami are living. The
main task of the Saami Council is to consolidate the feeling of affinity among the Saami people,
to attain recognition for the Saami as a nation and to maintain the cultural, political, economic
and social rights of the Saami in the legislation of the four states (Norway, Sweden, Russia and
Finland) and in agreements between states and Saami representative organizations. The Saami
Council participates in international processes on topics such as indigenous peoples, human
rights and arctic and environment. Saami Council renders opinions and makes proposals on
questions concerning Saami people’s livelihoods, rights, language and culture and especially on
issues concerning Saami in different countries. The tasks of this committee is to increase and
spread knowledge about the Saami culture, to improve the cooperation between cultural
institutions and the Saami Council and to distribute cultural funds. The primary aim of the Saami
Council is the promotion of Saami rights and interests in the four countries where the Saami are
living, to consolidate the feeling of affinity among the Saami people, to attain recognition for the
Saami as a nation and to maintain the economic, social and cultural rights of the Saami in the
legislation of the four states (Norway, Sweden, Russia and Finland). This objective can be
achieved through agreements between these states and the bodies representing the Saami people,
the Saami parliaments.
See more here: http://www.arctic-council.org/index.php/en/our-work2/8-news-and-events/315permanent-participant-article-series-saami-council
18. Shell: Ben Van Beurden
Ben Van Beurden is the CEO of Shell Global. He has a masters degree in chemical engineering.
Shell is committed to protecting the environment and respecting their neighbors. Some of the
ways in which they do this is through: managing emissions of greenhouse gases, using less
energy more efficiently, flaring and burning off less gas during oil production, preventing spills
and leaks of hazardous materials, and using less fresh water; and conserving biodiversity
wherever they operate. They recently have abandoned all Arctic drilling desires and exploratory
operations (in the specific Basin off the coast of Alaska that they had shifted all efforts too after
failing in the Chukchi Sea). Part of the reason why this is the case is because it is expensive to
research in the Arctic area at a time when crude oil prices are low. Research in the area requires a
large upfront investment with a much smaller window of opportunity to extract any oil due to
seasonality. While cash and geology were the main reasons for this halt in exploration, it will not
stop them from drilling elsewhere.
Read more here: http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/09/28/shell-admits-defeat-in-the-arctic/
19. Exxonmobil: Rex Wayne Tillerson
Rex Tillerson is the Chairman CEO of Exxon Mobil. Exxon has been working in the Arctic since
the 1920’s. Exxon Mobil’s main concern is in regards to the competition that would be brought
about by foreign oil companies getting a large share of oil. If US-Russia relations improve
politically, Exxon may have better access to Russian oil. ExxonMobil is committed to improving
economic opportunity, health and education in local communities, and to safeguarding the
environment where we live and work.
20. Gazprom: Alexey Miller
Alexey Miller is on Forbes list of most powerful people in the world. Gazprom is one of Russia’s
most successful companies; it has connections in high places as well, including the Russian
leaders themselves. Gazprom holds the world’s largest natural gas reserves specifically in: the
Yamal Peninsula, the Arctic shelf, Eastern Siberia and the Russian Far East, as well as a number
of hydrocarbon exploration and production projects abroad. Recently, project plans to develop
Shtokman field were called off. Though one of the world’s largest supply areas of natural gas it
is considered highly challenging from a technological point of view as it is located very far
offshore in the Arctic Barents Sea. The technical challenges, as well as shifts in the global gas
supply and demand balance due to the shale gas boom in North America, have resulted in
numerous delays in developing Shtokman. In 2015, Gazprom instituted a new Environmental
Policy outlining the additional responsibilities for ensuring environmental safety during
development operations on the continental shelf and in the Russian Arctic, as well as for
minimizing adverse environmental impacts, including impacts on highly vulnerable and specially
protected natural areas.
21. Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME)-Renée Sauve
PAME is one of six working groups of the Arctic Council and Sauve is at the head of this group.
PAME is the focal point of the Arctic Council’s activities related to the protection and
sustainable use of the Arctic marine environment and provides a unique forum for collaboration
on a wide range of activities in this regard. PAME’s mandate is to address policy and other
measures related to the protection of the Arctic marine and coastal environment from both land
and sea-based activities. Some of their mandates include tracking shipping traffic in the Arctic
and encouraging the enforcement of and increased international legislation in regards to existing
(and possible new) marine protected areas such as the 18 Arctic LMEs (Large Marine
Ecosystems).
See more here: http://www.pame.is
22. Petro Canada: Ron Brennema
Ron Brennema is the CEO of Petro Canada, which is “Canada’s gas station.” Brennema has a
chemical engineering and business academic background and has worked in oil companies his
entire career. Petro Canada has the backing of many citizens and is known for being pretty
environmentally conscious. In 1975, Petro-Canada was created by the Canadian government to
help stimulate the development of Arctic resources. This company is government-owned, so is
funded by Canada and has resources to conduct quality research. One of Petro-Canada’s primary
goals was to act as a catalyst for private energy companies operating in the Arctic. In 2006,
Petro-Canada has purchased the competition’s natural gas reserves in the High Arctic with the
environment in mind. Competitor oil companies were not very happy about this move.
23. North Pole Environmental Observatory: James L. Olds
James Olds is the assistant director of Directorate for Biological Sciences. This observatory
operates in the Central Arctic Ocean doing research on the ice, water, atmosphere and much
more. The observatory works under the National Science Foundation, which is an organization
based in the US. The National Science Foundation funds researchers who work in this facility
through research grants. Scientists here are studying the telling fingerprints of past climate
trapped in ice for hundreds if not thousands of years, to compare the atmospheric composition of
long ago with present day. They want to know if the well-documented warming trend is a mere
blip in the cyclical climate record, or part of a larger, long-term process. This observatory is
essentially a multi-year project to observe conditions in the Arctic Ocean that could affect the
oceans and atmosphere around the globe. Some of their findings include: Arctic warming, for
example, has apparently begun to thaw the soils of the Arctic tundra, that until recently, were
permanently frozen. That has allowed carbon to escape into the atmosphere in the form of the
major greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide. Also, studies indicate that an ancient reservoir of the gas
currently locked into peat bogs is adding to the mix and contributing to the Arctic warming
trend. Local knowledge is really important to the operation of this observatory. For example,
Alaska Native interns work on the site and present research papers at archaeology meetings.
Tribal councils meet with researchers to discuss news of scientific discoveries. This relationship
of mutual trust and learning exemplifies the Principles for the Conduct of Research in the Arctic,
a set of guidelines based on the ethical responsibility of researchers working in the North to
consult, listen to, and involve the people of the North.
See this website for more details: http://psc.apl.washington.edu/northpole/
24. Greenland Gas and Oil: Roderick Mcillree
Roderick Mcillree is the CEO and Chairman of Greenland Gas and Oil. This company is a proud
supporter of conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. GGO strives to ensure that
company operations do not adversely affect the environment. As a company based in the arctic
region they hold great stakes in their homeland.
25. Sustainable Development Working Group : Roberta Burns
The goal of Sustainable Development Working Group is to propose and adopt steps to be taken
by the Arctic States to advance sustainable development in the Arctic, including opportunities.
The SDWG is to protect and enhance the environment and the economies, culture and health of
Indigenous Peoples and Arctic communities, as well as to improve the environmental, economic
and social conditions of Arctic communities as a whole.
26. Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response (EPPR)-Amy A. Merten
EPPR addresses various aspects of prevention, preparedness and response to environmental
emergencies in the Arctic, as well as search and rescue (SAR). While EPPR is not an operational
response organization, members of the Working Group exchange information on best practices
and conduct projects to include development of guidance and risk assessment methodologies,
response exercises, and training. The goal of the EPPR Working Group is to contribute to the
protection of the Arctic environment from the threat or impact that may result from an accidental
release of pollutants or radionuclides. In addition, the Working Group considers issues related to
response to the consequences of natural disasters.
27. Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF)-Reidar Hindrum
CAFF's mandate is to address the conservation of Arctic biodiversity, and to communicate its
findings to the governments and residents of the Arctic, helping to promote practices which
ensure the sustainability of the Arctic’s living resources. It does so through various monitoring,
assessment and expert group activities. CAFF’s projects provide data for informed decision
making to resolve challenges arising from trying to conserve the natural environment and permit
regional growth. This work is based upon cooperation between all Arctic countries, indigenous
organizations, international conventions and organizations, and is guided by the CAFF Strategic
Plan for the Conservation of Arctic Biological Diversity and biennial Work Plans.
28. Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP)-Martin Forsius
AMAP's current objective is "providing reliable and sufficient information on the status of, and
threats to, the Arctic environment, and providing scientific advice on actions to be taken in order
to support Arctic governments in their efforts to take remedial and preventive actions relating to
contaminants". AMAP is responsible for measuring the levels, and assessing the effects of
anthropogenic pollutants in all compartments of the Arctic environment, including humans;
documenting trends of pollution; documenting sources and pathways of pollutants; examining
the impact of pollution on Arctic flora and fauna, especially those used by indigenous people;
reporting on the state of the Arctic environment; and giving advice to Ministers on priority
actions needed to improve the Arctic condition. AMAP puts a focus on the issues of: Persistent
organic contaminants, heavy metals , radioactivity, acidification and Arctic haze, petroleum
hydrocarbon pollution, climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion, effects of pollution on the
health of humans living in the Arctic, combined effects of pollutants and other stressors on both
ecosystems and humans.
29. Hurtigruten Cruises and Cargo: Daniel Skjeldam (ceo)
Hurtigruten Cruises and Cargo is a Norwegian company specializing in cruises, public transit,
and cargo. In 2016, Daniel Skjeldam has called for limits to be set on the size of cruise ships
visiting the Arctic, as ships cause pollution while travelling. Hurtigruten cruise ships are smaller
than the average cruise ship that is produced in this day and age. He also said that there should be
a ban on heavy fuel oil in Arctic waters. Earlier this year, the company placed an order for four
ice-classed expedition vessels. Skjeldam had previously stated that Hurtigruten’s new vessels
will be powered by batteries and have zero emissions. It’s important to implement preventive
safety measures for the cruise ships that sail with many passengers, and often with limited local
knowledge. Here, experience shows that other cruise ships in the vicinity are crucial to saving
lives.
30. Arctic Contaminants Action Program (ACAP)-Ulrik Westman
ACAP was originally founded to address Arctic pollution sources identified through AMAP. It
became Arctic Council's sixth permanent Working Group in 2006. It’s main goal is to reduce
emissions and other pollutants. Some of the specific projects this program is doing is: reduction
of emissions of black carbon contamination that transports and deposits in the Arctic; improve
environmentally sound management of hazardous waste; encourage international legislation that
will reduce the releases of contaminants including persistent organic pollutants (POPS) from
hazardous waste into the environment and communicate the results as it occurs. Industrial
development of the Arctic has been accompanied by waste accumulation, especially in the
vicinity of indigenous villages. This represents a growing threat to safety and health of the Arctic
people who – due to traditional living conditions – are exposed to higher levels of contamination
in the air, water, soil and their food supply. The ACAP also addresses reducing indigenous
peoples exposure to contaminants.
See more here: https://www.arctic-council.org/index.php/en/acap-home
31. Tschudi Shipping Company: Jon Edvard Sundnes
Tschudi Shipping Company works in the northern regions of Norway and Russia. They own
significant property in the area and are thus well positioned for the oil and gas development in
the region. With energy and mineral resource development now accelerating the company seeks
new ways of transportation. Tschudi Shipping Company, in collaboration with the Norwegian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, established the Centre for High North Logistics. It serves as an
international and independent non-profit organization established to develop knowledge and
contribute to sustainable and efficient logistical solutions in the High North. In April 2010, this
Centre held a workshop in Kirkenes "Opening the North Sea Route for bulk commodities". More
than 25 relevant stakeholders from Russia, Norway and elsewhere participated.
See more here: http://www.tschudiarctic.com/page/206/Northern_Sea_Route
32. Rosatom: Alexey Likhachev
Alexey Likhachev is the CEO of Rosatom. Rosatom’s mission is to maintain Russian national
interests in defense, nuclear safety and nuclear power by achieving global leadership in advanced
technologies, competencies and innovations. Rosatom possesses the world's only nuclear
icebreaker fleet designed to meet maritime transportation objectives in the Arctic based on the
application of advanced nuclear technology. The new Arktika nuclear icebreaker has put to water
at St. Petersburg’s Baltika Shipyard, and will be used primarily for clearing oil drilling areas in
the Arctic. It is able to break through ice three meters thick.
See more: http://www.rosatom.ru/en/
33. BP: Andy Hopwood
Andy Hopwood is the Chief Operating Officer, Strategy and Regions Upstream. BP has operated
in the US Arctic for several decades, opening their first office in Alaska in 1959. BP operates
nine onshore fields on Alaska’s North Slope. In the offshore Arctic, BP has a largely nonoperated position. BP has investments in areas including the Barents Sea, Greenland and the
Canadian Beaufort. BP continues to assess opportunities, proceeding only where they believe it
makes commercial sense and they can manage associated risks and impacts. Oil resources are
becoming more accessible in the Arctic and this company wants to get access as soon as
possible.
See more here: http://www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/sustainability/our-activities/thearctic.html
34. Enbridge: John Carruthers
John Carruthers is Enbridge’s Northern Gateway Pipeline Project President. Enbridge’s Northern
Gateway Pipeline was projected to run between Edmonton, Alberta where the tar sands reside
and Kitimat, British Columbia, where the port city would make oil shipments. The goal of ENG
is to create sustainable relationships with communities that will be inclusive to the people
directly surrounding the pipeline. ENG also aims to help protect the biodiversity and
environmental rights of the land surrounding the pipeline. However, the ENG has had many
disputes with Indigenous groups and environmental NGOs. The Canadian Federal Court of
Appeals overturned the approval of the pipeline in 2016 to extend consultations with First
Nations people because they were not carefully consulted with initially by the company and the
Canadian government. The project is still up in the air and has been stalled by environmental and
indigenous groups for several years already. Talks of an Arctic Gateway Oil Pipeline have
begun to take place.
See more here: http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/n-w-t-in-talks-about-arctic-gateway-oilpipeline-1.3152977
35. Statoil: Eldar Sætre
Eldar Sætre is the Norwegian CEO of Statoil and has been the CEO since late 2014. The
company has operations in 36 countries and has recently ceased oil drilling in the arctic and
Alaskan region. Statoil is currently seeking to find new and cleaner energy resources for the
future, not only within their organization, but in others as well. The organization is seeking to
reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 10% by the year 2020. Norway’s government retreated on a
plan to open up new parts of the Arctic for exploration. Environmentalists and local fisherman
beat back a proposal to allow drilling near the Lofoten Islands, a picturesque area that is crucial
to fish spawning and has the largest cold-water coral reef in the world. Statoil is currently
pressuring the government to open up more of the Arctic for drilling is coming from Statoil, the
state-owned Norwegian oil company, which faces long-term decline in oil production unless it
can find new reserves. Statoil has been struggling with low oil prices and mature oil fields in the
North, but have begun development of the Johan Sverdrup field.
See more here: https://www.statoil.com
36. NATO Minister Espen Barth Eide:
His position in NATO is the State Secretary for the Defence Ministry of Norway, and also its
NATO partners. Recipient of the Norwegian Petroleum Society’s prize in 2005 for an analysis of
Norway’s strategic perspectives in the Northern Region. The Arctic is a strategically important
region. The possibility of decreasing ice coverage during the summer months, and advances in
technology, mean that shipping, natural resource exploration, and tourism will bring an increase
of economic activity. Although the Arctic region has been an area of low conflict among the
Arctic powers, NATO should consider the implications of Russia’s recent aggressive military
behavior. However, they are mainly worries about Russia’s recent militarization that Russia and
one of their goals is to keep this area peaceful. Climate change has the potential to increase the
need for humanitarian assistance and disaster response, to create tension over shared resources,
to renew and enhance geopolitical interest in the Arctic. NATO is a collective security
organization designed to defend the territorial integrity of its members. Five NATO members
(Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and the United States) are Arctic countries, and each has
territory above the Arctic Circle. In addition, two closely allied nations (Finland and Sweden)
also have Arctic territory. For the first time at the 2016 Warsaw Summit the alliance officially
acknowledged the distance that now exists between itself and Russia. As a direct result, it is
highly unlikely that the cooperation of the last decade and a half between Russia and the Arctic
NATO countries. The summit communique makes it clear that NATO will improve security at
all of its borders. If Sweden or Finland applies for full NATO membership and Norway
continues to push for a greater Arctic focus, Russia may begin to feel fenced-in. The challenges
for maintaining Arctic cooperation on matters other than traditional military security will be
substantial. Some of the most important cooperative initiatives to come out of the Arctic Council
may be maintained, such as the Arctic Coast Guard Forum, as a limited means of confidence
building.
See more here: https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2016/07/18/how-the-warsawnato-summit-altered-arctic-security
37. World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Carter Roberts
Roberts leads WWF’s efforts to save the world’s great ecosystems and address climate change
by linking science, field and policy programs with an ambitious initiative to work with markets
and businesses to lighten their impact on the planet. WWF is currently researching ways to
predicting the resilience of Arctic systems to change; this will enable us to take a forwardlooking approach to conservation that can endure change. Thee WWF is developing standards
and planning tools to ensure that the footprint of industry in the north does not overwhelm
already-weakened ecosystems, while recognizing that northern peoples need an economic
future.. They press governments to fully implement commitments to the Arctic, including: The
Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy, The Arctic Council’s Circumpolar Protected Areas
Network, Treaties and conventions on migratory birds, toxics, climate change and biodiversity.
The WWF works with communities where people and polar bears may come into conflict, to
help both coexist safely. The Climate Witness Project portrays the reality of climate change
through the experiences of people living in the Arctic. Building on relationships developed
between WWF and indigenous peoples groups, Arctic governments, and business and industry,
WWF is today the best-positioned and most influential environmental NGO in the Arctic. The
start of the new year signals the entry into force of new rules that affect polar shipping, the
“Polar Code.” The code will lead to improvements in shipping safety in the Arctic and Antarctic,
but leaves out critical rules to help safeguard the environment, and food security for Arctic
communities.
See more on their Arctic Program fact sheet here:
http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/global_arctic_programme_factsheet_2012_01_letter_engli
sh.pdf
38. Greenpeace- Kumi Naidoo
Serves as Greenpeace’s International Executive Officer. He was the first African to head the
organization. Naidoo is somewhat notorious for his involvement in acts of peaceful civil
disobedience in the Arctic Ocean against Shell and Gazprom who are currently planning to drill
in the Arctic's melting ice. In 2012, Kumi Naidoo, for the second time in the Arctic, occupied
Gazprom's Prirazlomnaya oil platform in the Pechora Sea for 15 hours, along with a group of
Greenpeace volunteers. A year before, in June 2011, Kumi spent four days in a Greenlandic
prison after scaling an oil platform owned by Cairn Energy, as part of Greenpeace's "Go Beyond
Oil" campaign. He was deported to Denmark where he spent a short time in Danish custody
before being released in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Greenpeace activists were blocking a Shell
gas station just outside the Swiss mountain resort demanding that the oil giant drops its
ambitions to drill for oil in the Arctic. He regularly attends United Nations climate negotiations
and advocates for increased ambitions from governments to cap emissions and vigorously move
towards an energy sector based on renewables meant to help humanity avoid catastrophic climate
change. Greenpeace is campaigning for a protected sanctuary in international waters around the
North Pole as part of a network of protected areas across the Arctic Ocean. The Save The Arctic
movement asks world leaders to create a global sanctuary in the uninhabited area around the
North Pole, and to ban oil drilling and destructive fishing in Arctic waters.
See more here: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/climate-change/arcticimpacts/
39. International Polar Foundation Nighat Amin
Nighat Amin serves as the Vice President of International Affairs for the Foundation. It supports
polar scientific research for the advancement of knowledge, the promotion of informed action on
climate change, and the development of a sustainable society. To achieve its aims, the
Foundation has initiated several high-profile projects; this includes supporting polar science
through the creation and operation of the wind-and-solar-powered zero emission Princess
Elisabeth Antarctica station, an annual symposium on Arctic issues, European Arctic
Information Center which provides knowledge to policymakers and the public in order to ensure
sustainable Arctic development.
http://www.polarfoundation.org/projects
40. President of the Wilderness Society: Jamie Williams
Jamie Williams leads the Wilderness Society as President in its mission to protect wilderness and
inspire Americans to care for our wild places. Before coming to The Wilderness Society, Jamie
led The Nature Conservancy’s work to protect large landscapes in North America. There he
focused on helping Conservancy programs and key partners protect large landscapes through
innovative, private and public finance. He also spearheaded critical efforts to secure conservation
funding in Congress, among many other accomplishments. Previously, Jamie worked on projects
that protected the land through strong community-based programs, and public-private
partnerships. Notably praised the United States “Wildernerness Act” on its 50th Anniversary. As
we become a more urbanized society with growing needs for space and energy, we often turn to
wilderness as a resource. The Wilderness Society sees wilderness as not just a resource to be
developed, but as a place with many human, natural and economic benefits that need to be
protected. Goals include: putting methane pollution in check and making oil and gas companies
pay their fair share.
See more here: http://wilderness.org/energy-and-climate