Research, ideas, and leadership for a more secure, peaceful world
This six-session study group, led by Arctic Initiative Senior Fellow Margaret Williams, is evaluated the costs and benefits of renewing cooperation with Russia on science and conservation issues. In the process, participants learned about the Arctic's unique environmental and cultural characteristics, as well as the key agreements and governance structures supporting environmental protection and sustainable development in the region.
The Arctic may seem distant and disconnected from the lives of many people. However, this region plays a crucial role in the functioning of our planet and deserves our attention and care.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has devastated Ukraine’s natural environment and the health and well-being of its citizens, but the war’s impacts have also had direct and indirect environmental effects in the Arctic.
Many issues in the Arctic are transboundary in nature and cannot be solved by states acting alone, or even if the seven Arctic states were to act without Russia.
Confronted by the accelerating climate crisis, Western governments, NGOs, and academia are grappling with a difficult question: Should the West engage with Russia on science and conservation, at a time when Russia is waging an unjust and violent war on a sovereign nation?
Arctic Initiative Research Assistant Viktoria Waldenfels MPA 2025 reflects on lessons learned from the study group as well as promising paths forward for Arctic cooperation.
Permafrost thaw and wildfires are two phenomena that are rapidly transforming the Arctic environment. Test your own permafrost knowledge with a short quiz.
