2018: Fletcher Arctic Conference VII
Innovation to Sustainability in the Arctic
In its seventh iteration, the Fletcher Arctic Conference conversation centered around the three pillars of sustainability: environment, economy, and society, and was complemented by a discussion on innovation. A morning conversation on sustainable development applied to the Arctic’s unique circumstances and environment set the tone for the conference. New insights were shared on the challenges and opportunities presented by a warming climate, increasing economic development and maritime commerce, and cultural change.
2017: Fletcher Arctic Conference VI
Fletcher Arctic Conference VI questioned the dilemma between economic development, social protection, and environmental conservation in the wake of climate change. The panelists also explored diverse ways well-being can be improved in northern communities, while registering socio-cultural dynamics and governance and security issues. The conference engaged participants over issues such as climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience, legal implications in the Arctic, Arctic security scenarios, Quebec’s Plan Nord and northern diplomacy, the rise of North Atlantic trade, innovation for the UN Sustainable Goals and leadership in practice in a globalizing north.
2016: Fletcher Arctic Conference V
Conference Report: Collaboration and Innovation for a Sustainable Future
The Opening Arctic Conference built on the Fletcher School’s Warming Arctic International Inquiry series, and brought together high-level thought leaders from across disciplines, Fletcher’s hallmark. Panels focused on Arctic diplomacy, advancing pan-Arctic infrastructure, and explored entrepreneurship, innovation, and business solutions toward navigating a path to sustainable Arctic development.
2015: Fletcher Arctic Conference IV
The 4th annual Warming Arctic International Inquiry at the Fletcher School came at a time when the United States assumes the chairmanship of the Arctic Council. With this honor comes the responsibility to protect the Arctic and its environment as it continues to warm at a much faster rate than the rest of the globe, opening up land, waters and treasures to exploitation.
The Fletcher School convened high-level decision makers from both diplomacy and security, cutting-edge energy and science researchers, and social, environmental and business stakeholders, to investigate solutions to the Arctic Paradox and promote a sustainable future for Arctic inhabitants within a “High North, Low Tension” policy framework.
2014: Warming Arctic III
Conference Report: Development, Stewardship, Science
The third Warming Arctic conference on March 3-4, 2013, addressed the accelerating economic development of the Arctic lands and waters as its plentiful resources become more accessible to be plundered. The conference featured business leaders, foreign ministries, and scientists. Panels included: Government Oversight on Commercial Drives, Development with a Science Imperative, Listening to the Land.
2013: Warming Arctic II
Conference Report: Arctic Warming, Deadly Dance
The second Warming Arctic conference focused on the science of the warming Arctic impacting global climate change. Delving into the science and latest research in Arctic climate change, the conference explored the debate around climate change, and discussed the potential actions that can be taken in the region.
2012: Warming Arctic I
Conference Report: Voyage of Re-Discovery
The first Warming Arctic conference in March 2012 explored the importance of the eight-country Arctic Council’s coming of age. Icelandic President Grímsson, and then Senator John Kerry both delivered keynotes.