Arctic Circle 2017

REYKJAVÍK 2017 – ARCTIC CIRCLE ASSEMBLY OCTOBER 13-15 A WORLD WITHOUT ICE – GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION OR A VISION FOR THE FUTURE? NRF YOUNG RESEARCHERS

Organized by Northern Research Forum (NRF) and University of Akureyri

Description of the session:
In the session the focus was on visions of a world without ice. A geopolitical imagination? Or an imminent reality? Although already envisioned as a source of new economic opportunities can we imagine a world without ice? What will the environmental and social consequences of a disappearing ice be? What will the biggest challenges and opportunities be?  What is the interrelationship between society and nature, in environmental and cultural contexts? How will communities be impacted? Is ice a material thing, or does it have intrinsic value? Is ‘Industrial civilization’ willing and able to commit to reducing emissions? Can we halt the process of a melting ice? Or is it too little, too late?

Speakers:
Salla Kalliojärvi,  University of Lapland: The United Nations Security Council and Climate Change: Preparing for an iceless future.

Violetta Gassiy,  IASC postdoc fellow, Kuban State University: Resilient Arctic communities: is there a life during natural resources extraction?

Suzanne Dunn, University of Ottawa: Digital access in the north: Rights, risks, and opportunities for young people.

Moderator:
Guðrún Rósa Þórsteinsdóttir director of University of Akureyri Research Centre and the Northern Research Forum Secretariat.