Europe and the Arctic: Ground Zero for Global Climate Change?

How should the European Union respond to the entwined challenges of climate change mitigation, international law, sustainable development, indigenous rights, and security in the Arctic? An interactive conversation moderated by Dr. Andreas Raspotnik, in cooperation with The Arctic Institute, the Norwegian Consulate in San Francisco and the High North Center for Business and Governance, Norway

As sea ice retreats from the Arctic, the challenges of governance, sustainable development, human rights, and security intensify. The Arctic is in many senses a unique space, now undergoing unprecedented transformation. Accelerated climate change gravely affects the global climate, making the Arctic the world’s climate change canary in the coal mine. Arctic policy decisions thus matter on a global level. Among major Arctic actors, the European Union is the most likely to exercise a positive influence on the region’s development. But will it?

Join us for an interactive discussion among experts on contemporary Arctic affairs. They will analyze how the EU can and should respond to these challenges. Researchers, students, professionals, and community members engaged with these questions are warmly invited to join this conversation and ask questions or share their insights. To attend, please register through
derekoleary@berkeley.edu. Once registered, you will receive access to a short analytical essay that provides helpful context for the discussion.