The temperatures in the Arctic continue to rise at three times the global annual average, driving many of the changes underway in the Arctic. Most prominently, snow and ice are melting at an increasing rate. This impacts both local ecosystems and the global climate system. It contributes to rising sea levels, and is likely to provoke extreme temperature events beyond the Arctic. The effects of a shifting Arctic climate are felt across the high latitudes and beyond – with global environmental, economic, and social implications.
While the effects of climate change are pronounced in the Arctic, their causes are often linked to activities taking place outside the region. This underlines the importance of raising awareness of Arctic climate change on a global level, and to integrate Arctic issues in global frameworks and conventions. The Arctic Council and its Working Groups are therefore collaborating closely with the Council’s Observer states and organizations and other stakeholders on addressing the implications of a changing Arctic climate.
Acknowledging the scope of the changes taking place and their possible effects on livelihoods, societies, the Arctic environment and economy, the Council’s Working Groups commit to working closely together. Through their ever-growing body of reports and assessments, the Arctic Council serves as knowledge broker and global advocate for Arctic topics.
Perspectives on Arctic climate change from the people who live there.
Understanding how climate change will affect the Arctic climate system and ecosystems is key to adapting livelihoods and to inform decision making on regional, national and international levels.
The development and application of practical Arctic green energy solutions enables communities to reduce emissions and improve air quality. The Arctic Council promotes knowledge exchange and supports small and remote Arctic communities in transitioning to sustainable energy.
Resilience is the capacity of communities and systems to recover and restore themselves from crises and disturbances. The Arctic region is changing rapidly, and the speed of ongoing change makes adaptation extremely challenging. Governments, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, researchers, and businesses are therefore working together to build resilience to the social-ecological changes that are underway in the Arctic – and it is a cross-cutting theme across the Arctic Council’s Working Groups.
Black carbon, or soot, both damages human health and contributes to climate change. Arctic Council projects seek to reduce black carbon at its source and improve understanding its impacts on Arctic inhabitants.
Wildfires and wildland fires are an emerging topic across Arctic Council Working Groups. As the Arctic environment and communities in the circumpolar North have been affected by unprecedented wildfires over the past few years, Arctic States and Permanent Participants provide specific expertise for a holistic approach on how to tackle future wildfire seasons.