Policy

ACAP study shows that adopting best available technology and best environmental practices for associated petroleum gas flaring in the Russian Arctic could cut short‑lived climate pollutant emissions from 25 to 7 Mt CO₂‑eq by 2025, while boosting economic gains.

The Arctic Council’s One Arctic, One Health project, approved twice by ministers, builds cross‑state networks and exercises to improve preparedness for disease outbreaks and environmental disasters.

The Arctic Council and the International Arctic Science Committee have outlined a roadmap—ROADS—to strengthen pan‑Arctic observing, emphasizing Indigenous participation and integrated data for climate and policy needs.

A 2019 Arctic Council workshop produced a report and recommendations that are shaping the Arctic Regional Action Plan on marine litter, with monitoring, community engagement, and industry outreach underway.

A GPS‑equipped capsule launched off Iceland in 2019 tracked 7,000 km over 207 days, proving marine litter can travel between Arctic and non‑Arctic waters and feeding a regional policy plan.

Greenland faces COVID‑19 challenges due to limited local testing, few healthcare resources, and high vulnerability from past outbreaks, making containment crucial for Arctic communities.

The International Maritime Organization, as an Observer in the Arctic Council, is expanding its Polar Code and collaborating on safety, environmental, and climate initiatives to support secure sustainable shipping in polar waters.

Since gaining observer status in 2013, Italy has leveraged its scientific expertise and funding initiatives to actively contribute to Arctic Council work, supporting research, indigenous interests, and sustainable development.

Arctic Council appoints Magnús Jóhannesson as Special Coordinator on Plastics, outlining ongoing projects, a planned regional action plan, and an upcoming Icelandic symposium to address plastic pollution.

The Arctic is experiencing its worst wildfire season on record, with Gwich'in communities in Alaska urging Arctic Council states to collaborate on fire monitoring, emergency response, and community planning.

The Arctic Council and Arctic Economic Council held their first joint meeting in Reykjavik, Iceland, on 9 October 2019 to discuss cooperation on marine transport, telecoms, resource development, biodiversity, and responsible investment under a new Memorandum of Understanding.

Finland’s Ministry of Environment hosted a workshop in Ivalo to integrate Saami perspectives into Arctic environmental impact assessments, emphasizing early engagement, traditional knowledge inclusion, and respect for indigenous livelihoods amid climate-driven industry expansion.

The Arctic Economic Council’s Executive Committee has seen a leadership transition, with Icelandic business community’s Heidar Gudjonsson assuming the chair and Finnish business representative Tero Kiviniemi stepping in as Vice‑Chair, reflecting the council’s two‑year

In 2019, the Arctic Economic Council held key meetings, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Arctic Council, launched a Blue Economy Working Group, and engaged stakeholders across the Arctic to advance responsible investment and governance.

Russia’s federal government has formalized a 15‑year master plan for the Northern Sea Route, outlining policies to manage shipping traffic and infrastructure development along this Arctic corridor.

In February 2011, scientists and community experts from Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia, and the U.S. met in Edmonton to develop a Pan‑Arctic Polar Bear Monitoring Plan, establishing coordinated monitoring standards, indicators, and reporting mechanisms for decision‑makers.

The 7th Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in Nuuk will sign the first binding Search and Rescue agreement and the Nuuk Declaration, and present reports on Arctic resilience and climate science.

Arctic Council’s EPPR Working Group met in Whitehorse, Yukon, June 15‑16 2011 to discuss marine oil spill preparedness, pilot projects for oil spill and vessel rescue response, and radiological emergency collaboration with Russia.

Sweden chaired the Arctic Council (2011‑2013), prioritizing climate change, oil emission prevention, indigenous rights, and sustainable economic development, with a key SAO meeting in Luleå.

Russia pledged €10 million to the Arctic Council’s Project Support Instrument, becoming the largest contributor and supporting pollution‑prevention projects across the Russian Arctic.

The first SAO meeting under Swedish chairmanship, held at Luleå Technical University in November 2019, welcomed 160 participants and approved the Arctic Resilience Report and four new Sustainable Development Working Group projects.

Arctic Council launched the Indigenous Peoples Contaminant Action Program to reduce contaminant exposure in Arctic indigenous communities, holding its first meeting in Luleå, Sweden, with key indigenous and state actors and setting project priorities.

The Arctic Council, led by Sweden, convened a workshop in Stockholm to adapt OECD corporate social responsibility guidelines for the Arctic, bringing together companies, OECD, WWF, governments and indigenous groups to ensure environmentally and socially sustainable development.

The Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program joined the GEO BON Arctic network, expanding collaboration among scientists, governments, and Indigenous groups to better track Arctic biodiversity.

The SDWG met in Gällivare, Sweden, in February 2019 to discuss Sámi community issues, visit the Malmberget mine, and endorse projects such as AMATII and an Inuit response to AMSA, influencing Arctic policy and community outcomes.