Do you want to get involved in Arctic decision-making?
Want to apply all that you’ve just learned into some direct action? We do too! Check out these resources to stay aware of policy developments and how to make your voice heard.
Policy developments:
China and Militarization in the Arctic: To keep up with Chinese actions and militarization in the Arctic, search for “China Arctic” or “Arctic Militarization” on think tank websites like Brookings, RAND, or Foreign Policy. These sources will yield reliable information and analysis on policy developments in this field.
Russian and Nato Conflict in the Arctic: Find out the most up to date information on Conflicts in the Arctic through the NATO Review and Carnegie Europe. These websites provide academic and research studies with many articles to help you understand the latest policy developments. For more information, check out the Arctic Council or the Main NATO website below.
Non-indigenous whaling: Get the latest updates on Norwegian whaling policy from the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries. You can also find up-to-date whaling policy in this International Whaling Commission database. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) is the premier international organization for the discussion of whaling issues.
North Atlantic mackerel fishery: Find the latest policy developments (TAC agreements, national shares/quotas, annual meeting notes, and relevant publications) on the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission website. Get updates on Iceland-
specific mackerel fishery management on the website of the government’s Fisheries Directorate.
Organizational/Governmental decision making bodies:
Arctic Council – https://arctic-council.org/en/
Nordic Council – https://www.norden.org/en/nordic-council
North Atlantic Treaty Organization – https://www.nato.int/
How to make a difference:
North Atlantic mackerel fishery: Being a conscious consumer means knowing where your seafood comes from and what impact your purchases have on the fishery and fishery management. In many ways, you vote and act with your wallet. Read updates on the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) website and stay in touch with reliable, certified fishing organizations on the World Benchmarking Alliance seafood index.
Non-Indigenous whaling: If you are looking to take a side in the whaling debate, consider supporting an anti-whaling NGO:
- Whale and Dolphin Conservation
- World Wildlife Fund
- Animal Welfare Institute
- ProWildlife
- Humane Society International
Militarization: If you are an American citizen and opposed to continued American militarization of the Arctic, write your Congressional Representatives and tell them to oppose military spending on Arctic equipment! You can find out who your Representative is and how to write to them here.
- If you think the US should put a higher priority on Arctic issues, including security and resource extraction, you should write your Congressperson to say that instead!
Security and the Arctic Council: If you would like to see the Arctic Council change its charter and become able to discuss security issues in the Arctic, reach out to your country’s Arctic Council representative or to a member of the AC Secretariat. Find their contact info here.
Russia and the Kremlin: If you are a citizen of Russia or want to change Russian Arctic policy, you can contact their website at Russia Government or contact relations between NATO and Russia at NATO-Russia Council. Changing Arctic policy can have a positive aspect by creating peace in the region, your support is crucial.