Coverage

Arctic stakeholders LKAB, Equinor, Rosatom, and TOTAL Energies discussed hydrogen projects in a webinar, highlighting pilots in Russia's Kola plant, Sweden's Hybrit mine, and Norway's Barents Blue to supply hydrogen and ammonia for industry and maritime transport.

Morten Høglund, former Norwegian parliamentarian, was appointed Norway’s Senior Arctic Official, focusing on climate change, sustainable transport, industry standards, and community wellbeing in the Arctic.

The Arctic Parliamentarians and Arctic Economic Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the Arctic Circle Assembly in Iceland, committing to sustainable economic development, indigenous involvement, and the Arctic Investment Protocol.

In 2021, the Northern Sea Route transported about 35 million tons of cargo, underscoring its growing importance as an Arctic shipping corridor.

Harald Finkler recounts how the Arctic Council’s informal structure and inclusion of Indigenous peoples helped it evolve into a flexible, knowledge‑driven forum for Arctic governance.

From 7‑8 September 2021, the Russian Federation conducted inter‑agency exercises across its Arctic zone as part of its Chairmanship of the Arctic Council and the EPPR Arctic Rescue project, with details released by EMERCOM.

The Arctic Council marks 25 years of cooperation, highlighting its role in binding agreements, Indigenous participation, and climate‑focused governance.

The article outlines Tara Sweeney’s role as the first U.S. chair of the Arctic Economic Council, its founding during Canada’s Arctic Council chairmanship, and its secretariat in Norway, adding business views to Arctic policy.

The Arctic Economic Council’s recent roundtable highlighted how public‑private partnerships can fund roads, ports, and broadband to connect remote Arctic communities, supporting Indigenous populations and global economic integration.

Arctic Council states, chaired by Canada, issued a statement at the 2013 Diplomatic Conference on the Minamata Convention, welcoming its adoption and urging rapid implementation to protect Arctic communities from mercury pollution.

Arctic Council states’ 2013 COP19 statement commits them to aggressive GHG reductions, short‑lived pollutant cuts, and adaptation, linking Arctic governance to global climate goals.

Berlevåg, Norway, is building a wind‑powered hydrogen plant that will produce green ammonia for the shipping industry, aiming to export fuel to Svalbard and diversify the local economy.

Patrick Huber, former EPA senior advisor, becomes ACAP Chair, aiming to expand contaminant‑reduction projects—like wind turbines and waste cleanups—in Arctic communities to enhance sustainability and local resilience.

Dr. Oleg Solyakov has been appointed Chair of the Sustainable Development Working Group under the Russian Arctic Council Chairmanship, emphasizing projects to benefit Arctic peoples and Indigenous communities.

Benjamin DeAngelo, NOAA’s climate program director, was appointed Chair of AMAP, underscoring a new focus on science‑policy linkages, transparent reporting, and indigenous participation in Arctic climate assessments.

The Arctic Council launches the Arctic Demography Index to map population trends, migration types, and indigenous demographics across 19 Arctic territories, aiding sustainable development.

Dr. Mia Rönkä has been appointed Chair of the Arctic Conservation of Flora and Fauna Working Group, outlining priorities for inclusive co‑creation, Indigenous collaboration, and a joint climate research project with AMAP.

Dr. Jessica Nilsson, newly appointed Chair of the Arctic Council’s PAME Working Group, seeks to unite stakeholders and advance science‑based policy for the Central Arctic Ocean’s high‑sea fishing agreement.

The Arctic Council's first executive meeting under Russian chairmanship (29‑30 June) will focus on implementing the Reykjavik Declaration, the 2021‑2030 Strategic Plan, and four priority areas: Indigenous peoples, climate protection, socioeconomic development, and council

The International Agreement to Prevent Unregulated Fishing in the High Seas of the Central Arctic Ocean has entered into force, banning commercial fishing by its 10 signatories for 16 years while science gathers data on the region’s emerging ecosystem.

The Arctic Council’s PAME Working Group is launching additional GPS‑equipped plastic capsules to trace how North Sea and Baltic litter enters Arctic waters, highlighting transport routes and informing mitigation.

Nina Buvang Vaaja, who has led the Arctic Council Secretariat for twelve years, drove its transition to a standing body, expanding staff and building institutional trust across Arctic states.

ICC Greenland has joined the Arctic Economic Council to bolster indigenous representation and promote sustainable, diversified economic development in the Arctic, particularly for Greenland.

Norway has expanded its national park on Svalbard, converting former coal mining sites into protected land, bolstering Arctic conservation.

The interview recounts how Hans Jakob Helms helped secure Indigenous Peoples' participation in the 1980s Arctic Council, leading to the creation of an Indigenous Secretariat and fostering post-Cold War Arctic cooperation.