The Arctic Circle Podcast

In this episode, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska reflects on the evolving role of the United States as an Arctic nation. She discusses key developments, including the appointment of Dr. Mike Sfraga as the first U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs, the expansion of Arctic infrastructure, and the importance of strengthening regional partnerships and alliances. Following her remarks, Se...

In this episode, H.E. Vivian Motzfeldt, Minister for Statehood and Foreign Affairs, introduces Greenland's new Foreign, Security, and Defense Policy. Titled “Greenland in the World — Nothing About Us Without Us,” the strategy outlines Greenland's priorities, positions, needs, and concerns as an Arctic nation. The address is followed by a Q&A with the audience, moderated by Ólafur Rag...

In this episode, H.E. Bjarni Benediktsson, Prime Minister of Iceland, shares his insights on what he sees as the way forward to address the pressing issues facing the Arctic region. He calls for rebuilding trust in international cooperation and the rule of law, emphasizing the importance of adapting partnerships and collaborative efforts to navigate a new security environment. This speech was orig...

In this episode, Admiral Rob Bauer makes his third and final appearance at the Arctic Circle Assembly as Chair of the NATO Military Committee. He addresses the rising strategic competition and ongoing geopolitical challenges in the Arctic, stressing the increasingly urgent need to ensure security and stability in the region. This speech was originally delivered at the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly....

In this episode, H.E. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland, officially kicks off the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly, which took place October 17-19 in Reykjavík, Iceland.  This opening speech sets the tone for our new podcast season, which will feature a range of inspiring and thought-provoking speeches, Q&As, sessions, and discussions from this year&a...

In this episode, H.E. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland, shares his reflections and final remarks on the 2024 Berlin Forum, where discussions centered on navigating Arctic issues at crossroads. This speech was originally delivered at the 2024 Arctic Circle Berlin Forum. Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on...

In this episode, we explore the role that non-Arctic European countries play in addressing Arctic challenges, highlighting their commitment and the assets they bring to regional cooperation. Our panelists include: Clarissa Duvigneau: German Ambassador to Iceland Carmine Robustelli: Special Envoy for the Arctic at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy Claire Buckley...

In this episode, we will explore the future of Arctic governance with and without Russia, examining perspectives ranging from research collaboration and international law to security policy, and exploring potential avenues for renewed cooperation. Our panelists include: Anne Morgenstern: Senior Researcher at the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Germany Rasmu...

In this episode, we will explore the concepts of co-creation and two-eyed seeing, focusing on the perspectives of Indigenous and scientific knowledge in research endeavors. Our panelists include: Aslak Holmberg: President of the Saami Council Naja Dyrendom Graugaard: Postdoctoral Researcher at the Aarhus University, Denmark  Vivi Vold: PhD Candidate at the University of Greenland and the Universit...

In this episode, we will further examine and discuss the implications of geopolitics on Arctic governance and cooperation. Our panelists include: Rt. Hon. Mark Pritchard MP: Vice-President and Special Representative on the Arctic and High North of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Hon. Bryndís Haraldsdóttir MP: President of the Nordic Council Michael Paul: Senior Fellow at the German Institute for I...

In this episode, we will explore views and perspectives on the potential of Arctic clean energy for the European market. Our panelists include: H.E. Angus Robertson: External Affairs Secretary of the Scottish Government André Küüsvek: CEO & President of the Nordic Investment Bank Robert Howe: Managing Director of Bremenports, Germany The discussion and following Q&A with the audience are m...

In this episode, Tjorven Bellmann, Political Director of the German Federal Foreign Office, shares Germany’s perspective on the implications of geopolitics for Arctic governance and cooperation. This speech was originally delivered at the 2024 Arctic Circle Berlin Forum. Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democr...

In this episode, we engage in an insightful conversation between two distinguished members of the Arctic Circle Mission Council on the GlobalArctics: Heather Exner-Pirot: Managing Editor of the Arctic Yearbook and Senior Fellow & Director of Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, Canada. Lassi Heininen: Professor Emeritus and Visiting Researcher at the A...

In this episode, we learn more about CarbFix, the Icelandic company that has pioneered a method to permanently store CO₂ by transforming it into stone deep underground. Our special guest, Edda Sif Pind Aradóttir, CEO of CarbFix, will introduce this groundbreaking technology and discuss its role as a crucial tool in the fight against the climate crisis. She will also take questions from the audienc...

In this episode, we explore the new perspectives that research on seismic activity offers on the interplay between the Arctic and space. We will specifically examine the broader implications of studying the eruption of Iceland’s Fagradalsfjall volcano, which began on March 19, 2021, and continued for six months, for both Earth and space sciences. Our panelists include: Shay Strong, Vice President...

In this episode, we examine the emerging security concerns in Greenland and Iceland amidst growing international attention to the Arctic region. Our discussion spans geopolitical strategies, defense policies, environmental challenges, and international collaboration. Our panelist include: Aaja Chemnitz Larsen: Member of the Danish Parliament Sara Olsvig: International Chair of Inuit Circumpolar Co...

In this episode, Francesco La Camera, Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), discusses the critical role of renewable energy for the Arctic and its global significance. The event and following Q&A with the audience are moderated by Guðni A. Jóhannesson, Former Director General of the National Energy Authority of Iceland. This session originally took place at the...

In this episode, we will explore Arctic Tipping Points, discussing, among other things, the loss of the Greenland Ice Sheet, the impacts on the Arctic ecosystem, and changes in atmospheric circulation. Our panelists include: Stefan Rahmstorf: Professor of Physics of the Oceans at the University of Potsdam, Germany Antje Boetius: Director, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Mar...

In this episode, we will explore the growing Arctic Film Sector, examining its place in the film industry. Our panelists include: Baltasar Kormákur Baltasarsson: Director & Producer, Iceland Anne Lajla Utsi: Managing Director of the International Sámi Film Institute Laufey Guðjónsdóttir: Former Director of the Icelandic Film Centre The discussion and following Q&A with the audience are mod...

In this episode, we listen to four distinguished experts discussing concrete examples of actions within the Blue Economy, both in the private and public sector and how the Blue Economy affects the Arctic Region.  Our panelists include: Bryndís Björnsdóttir, Head of Industry Solutions at Matis, Iceland Leslie Canavera, CEO of PolArctic, USA Patrick Arnold, Co-Founder & CEO of the New England Oc...

In this episode, H.E. Steffi Lemke, German Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, presents the guiding principles of Germany’s environmental policy and its connection to Arctic issues.   This speech was originally delivered at the 2024 Arctic Circle Berlin Forum.  Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperat...

In this episode, we will explore how satellite and remote sensing technologies are paving the way for a new era of collaboration between research and industry, emphasizing the crucial role of private sector involvement in research and development. Our panelists include: Guido Grosse: Head of Permafrost Research Section at the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research,...

In this episode, Áslat Holmberg, President of the Saami Council, addresses the Arctic and international community, explaining that thriving ecosystems and regional peace depend on the decolonization of knowledge production, locally sensitive and sustainable resource management, and ongoing cooperation at all levels.  This speech was originally delivered at the 2024 Arctic Circle Berlin Forum. Arct...

In this episode, we will look into the next steps and recommendations for advancing polar cooperation and dialogue, building on the momentum from the One Planet - Polar Summit in Paris and the Polar Symposium in Monaco. Our panelists include: Pascal Lamy: Vice-President of the Paris Peace Forum and former Director-General of the World Trade Organization (2005-2013) Frederik Paulsen: Chair of the B...

You’re listening to the Arctic Circle Podcast.  In this episode, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco addresses the Arctic and international community, reaffirming the need for collective action and collaboration in overcoming the multifaceted challenges faced by human societies.  This speech was originally delivered at the 2024 Arctic Circle Berlin Forum. Arctic Circle is the largest network of inte...