Arctic Initiative 2020-2021 Year in Review

Friends and colleagues,

The Arctic Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs addresses the challenges and opportunities being created by rapid climate change in the far North. By integrating insights from cutting-edge scientific research, Indigenous knowledge, and policy analysis, we strive to improve understanding of the impacts of Arctic climate change regionally and globally, and to work with local, regional, national, and international leaders to develop responsive policies and actions. In the process, we are helping to train a new generation of interdisciplinary Arctic experts and leaders who are motivated and equipped to carry this mission forward. 

Our key substantive focuses have been (1) the pace of permafrost thaw and its local and global impacts; (2) Arctic Ocean pollution and sustainable ocean management; (3) issues around Arctic infrastructure, resilience, adaptation, and public health in a changing climate; and (4) Arctic governance, cooperation, and diplomacy. 

Since our launch in 2017, the Arctic Initiative has emerged as a global leader on Arctic issues at the intersection of environmental science and policy. We have built: a strong core staff; powerful partnerships with other research centers and decisionmakers inside and outside the Arctic region; a rich collection of publications, presentations, courses, and events; and a burgeoning cohort of future Arctic leaders. 

Over the past year, despite the persistent challenges of COVID-19, the Arctic Initiative has continued to increase our connectedness with communities across the Arctic and around the world. In particular, our pan-Arctic engagement was significantly enhanced by the addition of a geographically and ethnically diverse International Advisory Council, comprising five individuals of exceptionally high-level experience in Arctic affairs. 

From the Arctic Resilience Forum to the Northern Lights podcast series, we expanded our virtual offerings and created new opportunities to continue critical conversations about the future of the Arctic amid the pandemic. As Arctic communities continue to grapple with the twin crises of climate change and COVID-19—and as impacts of rapid Arctic warming spill over into the rest of the world—our determination and capacity to work with existing and new partners on effective remedies are growing apace. 

John Holdren
Co-Chair, Arctic Initiative

Henry Lee
Co-Chair, Arctic Initiative

Download the 2020-2021 Year in Review